Employers are being urged by ConstructionSkills to sign up to the new 14-19 Construction and Built Environment (C&BE) Diploma as the Government opens ‘Gateway 2’, the latest window in which companies can apply to participate in the partnerships which will deliver the Diploma.

With just one year to go until pupils begin to take the new Diploma, approximately 4,000 students studying at schools and colleges named in March’s ‘Gateway 1’ announcement are now able to opt to take the new qualification which has been developed with employer input.

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The C&BE Diploma offers employers in the sector a real opportunity to help inform the education of young people and shape the skills of the future workforce but greater numbers are needed to come forward to offer work experience, teaching support or site visits to give students an insight into industry. A large number of employers are already involved including Wates, Balfour Beatty, Lovell, G&J Seddon, CB&I, Kier Group and Bovis Lend Lease.

Nick Gooderson, Head of Standards and Qualifications, ConstructionSkills said: “Since September 2005 we have worked closely with industry, Government and education providers to develop the C&BE diploma. We have made good progress with employers to make sure that they don’t miss out on this opportunity to get involved with shaping and delivering the new qualification, but there is still a real need for more employers to get involved in local partnerships.”

(CL)