C & BE Diploma

C&BE Diploma logo

The Construction and the Built Environment (C&BE) Diploma is part of a series of Diploma qualifications being developed to provide 14–19 year olds with a broad programme of applied and theoretical learning, underpinned by essential skills.

The C&BE Diploma combines practical skill development with theoretical and technical knowledge. Young people with the Diploma will have better expertise, and a better insight into what the sector is like to work in. They will be more motivated when entering employment because they will already be equipped with the tools they need to help them get on.

 Who has developed the C&BE Diploma

The C&BE Diploma has been developed by the following Sector Skills Councils; ConstructionSkills, Energy & Utility Skills, Proskills, Asset Skills, SummitSkills and the Engineering Construction Training Board. They have consulted widely with industry to ensure that the Diploma will give young people a broader grounding in the required skills before joining their chosen sector.

First teaching 

44 local partnerships (consortia) of schools, colleges and employers will start delivering the C&BE Diploma from September 2008. From September 2009 more consortia will start teaching it.

 What will the Diploma provide? 

A young person with the C&BE Diploma will have mastered essential competencies in English, Maths, Information Communication Technology, communication skills, team-working and sector-related subjects.

The C&BE Diploma enables young people to achieve a qualification that is suited to their individual learning style. It will give them the skills and knowledge they need to progress into employment, training and further or higher education.

 How can employers help?

Young people who are taking the C&BE Diploma need the support of local employers to provide them with insight into the construction and built environment industry. There are various ways to do this.

  • Controlled Site Visits
    Controlled access to part of a business enables young people to experience the built environment in practice.
  • Work experience for young people
    Each Diploma requires up to 10 days work experience for the young person so that they can get real life experience of work in a business environment.
  • Work experience for teachers 
    Teachers are committed to delivering the Diploma to the highest standard.  Offering placements to teachers will help to ensure that they have a good understanding of the construction and built environment and can pass this on to young people.
  • Visits to schools or colleges
    Support could also take the form of visits to schools or colleges to set projects or describe aspects of a company’s activities.
  • Provision of materials
    Schools and colleges may need access to materials to help bring classroom learning to life.  Company’s waste materials may be welcome and could be put to good use.