The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has declared its support for the Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (CBE), launched in September 2008.

The CBE Diploma is a qualification for 14 to 19-year-olds designed in collaboration with employers and universities. It is part of a national programme to encourage young people to continue learning for longer by widening their choices and helping them get the qualifications they need to succeed in work and life. It will allow young people to progress onto employment, college and university.

The involvement of employers is a vital part of the delivery of the Diploma, which will give young people the knowledge, understanding and skills employers and universities are looking for. At level 3, the Advanced Diploma in CBE is equivalent to 3.5 A levels.

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Construction and the Built Environment is one of the first Diploma lines of learning. It can be taken alongside GCSEs, A levels and other qualifications, but it differs from these routes as it combines theoretical study with practical experience, and helps students make decisions about their future without restricting their options.

Bridget Boreham, CIOB's Chief Operating Officer said: "We are delighted to support the Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment. For the first time, the built environment will be at the heart of mainstream secondary education. A whole generation will now see opportunities for careers that, until now, they were hardly aware of. It's in everyone's interest to make sure young people get the skills they need to succeed, whether they decide to go into a job with training or continue studying at college or university."

The Diploma helps students develop work-relevant knowledge, as well as English, Maths and ICT skills, in a creative and enjoyable way.

(CD/JM)