Employing young people
Diplomas for 14 to 19-year-olds
It has been recognised that equipping young people with core skills and strong qualifications is vital for their own success, and for the long-term success of the economy.
One of the most significant recent developments for employers is the introduction of Functional Skills in all qualification routes for 14 to 19 year-olds. The reforms are designed to make qualifications more versatile, and will enable young people to develop the skills that employers are looking for.
The reforms also introduced the Diploma qualification for 14 to 19 year-olds. The Diploma offers young people a more practical, hands-on way of gaining the essential skills employers and universities look for.
Designed in partnership with employers and universities, the Diploma involves practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom learning. It's a combination aimed at encouraging students to develop work-relevant skills - along with their abilities in English, maths and ICT - in a creative and enjoyable way.
Ultimately, the Diploma will cover 17 subject areas, including engineering, IT, science and humanities. Ten Diploma disciplines are currently available at selected schools and colleges across the country:
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construction and the built environment
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creative and media
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engineering
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information technology
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society, health and development
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environmental and land-based design
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manufacturing and product design
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hair and beauty studies
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business administration and finance
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hospitality
A further four Diplomas will be introduced in September 2010 and the final three Diplomas will be introduced in 2011.
What it means for employers
The Diploma has been developed with employers to help meet the needs of businesses. Diploma students will be better prepared, and more knowledgeable about the world of work, with the universal practical skills that all employers seek, such as how to think creatively, problem-solve, communicate, work independently, and how to work as part of a team.
Employers benefit from better-qualified recruits who have a practical understanding of a work environment in addition to essential skills in English, maths and ICT.
Subjects covered in this guide
- Introduction
- Workers under 16: the rules
- Workers aged 16 and 17: the rules
- Young workers over 18: the rules
- Diplomas for 14 to 19-year-olds
- Creating opportunities for young people
