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ECITB in partnership to develop two groundbreaking new diplomas for industry

The ECITB, in conjunction with a number of Sector Skills Councils and with input from employers, has contributed to two innovative diplomas for 14 to 19 year old young people. The diplomas in Construction and the Built Environment (C&BE) and Engineering will provide tangible benefit to employers by reducing recruitment and training costs, decreasing staff turnover and helping to create a more highly skilled, better informed workforce.

These will be delivered through pa rticipating partnerships of schools, FE colleges and other training providers from September 2008. The broad-based diplomas will offer 14-19 year old students an alternative to GCSEs and A Levels, with the full Diploma equivalent to 3.5 A Levels.

The C&BE Diploma and Engineering Diploma each combine practical skill development with theoretical and technical knowledge, enabling young people to improve their skills and insight in their chosen sector. Once qualified, they will be more motivated and better equipped to enter employment and further their careers. The Diplomas provide a broader and more flexible education, allowing young people to develop skills that relate to a number of potential employment opportunities rather than job-specific training.

Steve Franklin, CB&I’s Head of Training and Development for Europe, Middle East and Africa, has volunteered to be one of the Employer Champions for the diploma.

Steve Franklin comments: “While I was initially doubtful about another qualification in an already crowded market, having looked into it I do believe this new route can significantly add to the number of quality young people choosing engineering and construction as a career. I would encourage all employers, whether large or small, to find out how they can get involved to make sure the diploma is a success.”

Employers seeking to make contact with local consortia or requiring further information should call Jenny Mercer, ECITB’s Diploma Adviser on 07977 463304 or email.

View the presentation which is used by Dipolma Champions around the country and throughout the ECITB Forums.