The Diploma - A new qualification designed by employers for employers

September 2008 saw the introduction of the Diploma, a unique qualification designed to meet the needs of employers of all sizes and from all sectors.

According to the National Employers Skills Survey, (2007) 84 percent of employers feel that 16 year old school leavers are unprepared for work and almost half of employers think that 17-18 year old school/college leavers and university graduates do not possess the employability skills needed for the workplace.

The Diploma, which combines classroom learning with practical hands-on experience, has been developed in direct response to such concerns. It is part of the biggest reforms to education and training in a generation and is aimed at meeting the Leitch Reviewís ambition of achieving world-class skills in the UK by 2020.

The Diploma is different to traditional qualifications such as GCSEs and A levels, not only because it combines practical and theoretical learning, but because it has been designed with the help of employers and universities. To date, 5,000 employers have been involved in the development of the Diploma, helping to ensure it meets the needs of the workplace.

The idea behind this partnership is simple - employers know what they are looking for from their employees, and are therefore in a great position to help design and deliver the Diploma.

Margaret Gildea, Executive Vice President of Human Resources - Operations and Skills and Capability, Rolls-Royce who is also a member of the Employer Champions Network, comments on the Diploma:

Never before have employers, Higher Education and awarding bodies worked so closely together. Together, they've designed qualifications to meet the needs of twenty-first century employers and universities.

What do Diploma students learn?
This year, selected students in 144 areas across the country have the opportunity to study one of five Diplomas: Construction and the Built Environment; Creative and Media; Engineering; Information Technology; and Society, Health and Development. More subjects will be phased in over time, such as Business, Administration and Finance and Hospitality, with a total of 17 being available to all young people in England in 2012.

Although Diplomas relate to a particular subject or sector, for example construction or science, all students must demonstrate competency in transferable skills that are relevant to any job such as communication, teamwork, literacy and numeracy. To help young people understand the purpose of their studies and make learning relevant to the world of work, the Diploma uses real life examples from the workplace. For example, students will tackle engineering problems set by employers, put together a business plan or create a magazine. To further embed the idea of real-life learning, at least 10 daysí work experience is compulsory.

The Diploma has been designed to suit young people of all abilities and aspirations. It gives students the chance to focus on specific areas that interest them, while keeping their options open. Whichever Diploma they choose they will gain skills that will be beneficial in any career. It is also flexible allowing individuals to personalise their learning; so for example, students can study for a Diploma and take GCSEs or BTECs at the same time, take the Advanced Diploma after their GCSEs, or switch to A levels or an Apprenticeship after doing a Diploma.

Because work-relevant learning has been put at the heart of the Diploma, employers can be confident that Diploma graduates will be better prepared for work before they even walk through their door. They will possess employability skills such as how to think creatively, problem solve and communicate; skills that are essential for success in the work place.

How does the Diploma compare with other qualifications?
There are three levels of Diploma- Foundation, which is equivalent to five GCSEs at grades D-G, Higher, which is equivalent to seven GCSEs at grades A-C and Advanced, which is equivalent to three and half A levels.

Getting involved?
The contribution made by employers involved in the design of the Diploma has been hugely valuable, but employers are also needed to help the qualification to be taught effectively. Itís a two way street: young people learn about business in different industry sectors so they get a head start in their career, while employers can help ensure that what students learn meets their business needs. Involvement can range from going into a local school or college to give a talk, mentoring a teacher or hosting visits, to offering work experience placements. It is up to each employer how much and how often they get involved.

To find out more about the Diploma and for details of how to get involved visit: