Diploma in C&BE Entrants Figures for 2010 Published

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has issued uptake figures for the Diploma in Construction & Built Environment. For the 2010 academic year, there will be 3,291 new entrants for the Diploma at Levels 1, 2 and 3. The figure for the 2009 period was around 1,700.

Having been developed by employers, schools, colleges and universities, the Diploma aims to help young people aged 14 to 19 realise their potential and gain knowledge and skills in a ‘real world’ environment. It has the flexibility to be taken instead of or alongside GCSEs, A-levels and vocational subjects and aims to equip students with skills they can apply to the next stage of their development, be that university, college or the job marketplace.

Commenting on the release of the figures for all Diploma numbers, Schools Minister Iain Wright said: “I am delighted that the figures show that the number of learners taking the Diploma has trebled since last year. This significant increase is powerful testimony to the appeal of this qualification and more evidence that this new and exciting qualification is growing ever more popular.

“Young people tell us that the Diploma is a qualification that motivates and challenges them and these figures demonstrate that.”

Nick Gooderson, Head of Standards and Qualifications at ConstructionSkills added: “These figures are encouraging, considering the fact that we’re at the very early stages of this new qualification. But I must stress, in order for the Diploma to maintain this momentum, we really do need the continued support of schools, colleges and employers.

“The Diploma really is a combined industry-wide team effort. All those involved are delivering a unique qualification and exciting learning experience and I wish the students currently embarking on this very exciting stage of their careers all the very best with their learning”.

For more information on the Diploma in C&BE, visit www.cbediploma.co.uk