Diploma

Designed in partnership with employers and universities, The Diploma is a qualification for 14 to 19 year-olds, offering young people a more practical, hands-on way of gaining the essential skills employers and universities look for. It’s aimed at increasing the choices available to young people and encouraging them to stay in education for longer.

Students are based in their own school or college, but may get the opportunity to learn in a different setting - another school, a local college, or in the workplace.

The Diploma is flexible, so students can combine it with GCSEs and A levels. Young people studying for Diplomas will do so along with any compulsory subjects - for example, english, maths, science and physical education in Years 10 and 11.

There is no minimum or maximum commitment to working with the Diploma though what is important is that employers become involved in sustainable partnerships.  Here are some examples (the term 'teacher' in this list includes college lecturers and school practitioners):

Work experience. Providing ten days work experience for a young person either as a block or by the day, introducing the young person to the world of work and your sector.

Extended project. This is something that can be built into the work experience placement opportunity for the young person where it may be appropriate to undertake a task which supports the young person's extended project, where they have chosen to do one.

Work shadowing. Giving a young person the opportunity to see a particular job in action, you could allow them to shadow you for a day.  This will help them to develop their understanding of your industry and their potential career.

Providing work problems for study. You could help design real and realistic work-related projects that teachers can use to bring the curriculum to life.

Visits. Work-based visits for small groups of learners can help to develop their understanding of the workplace. Many large employers are now developing learning zones, on site classrooms where groups of young people can go to learn about the sector in a hands-on manner.  Staff from the company are involved in delivering some parts of the learning but the young people are supervised by a member of staff from a local college.

Business advisers. Become a business adviser to a group of young people.  By introducing commercial knowledge and skills to a group of young people, you could help to channel their enthusiasm into running a successful business enterprise.

Visiting expert. As a visiting expert, you could give short talks or help out in lesson time, fully supported by a teacher.

Mentoring. Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the learner.

Sponsoring young people into higher education. Providing financial support to young Diploma graduates as they progress onto university.