Diploma in C&BE

C&BE Diploma logo

The Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (C&BE) was one of the first Diplomas to be developed. It has been taught in schools and colleges since September 2008.

The Diploma in C&BE was developed to give 14-19 year olds of all abilities, the opportunity to gain an understanding of the construction and built environment sector. With the help of employers, the diploma equips young people with the skills they need to progress their career.

Employers are asked to get involved with the delivery of The Diploma in C&BE through providing work-related learning and work experience

The Diploma in C&BE uses a mixture of theoretical and technical knowledge with practical skills to give young people the tools they need and the motivation to help them further their careers.

The Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment combines classroom learning with practical experience. Students study compulsory subjects as well as getting an insight into the world of work. The Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment is designed to help young people make decisions about their future.

The Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment:

  • introduces students to the world we have created
  • helps develop an understanding of the built environment and the skills required to create, manage and maintain it
  • shows students how to plan and design the construction of a new structure
  • gives students experience of many of the skills involved and the practical implications of a new development.

Students will:

  • have the flexibility of taking a more specialist course or broaden their study programme
  • achieve a good standard of English, Maths and ICT
  • develop vital skills like teamwork and self management
  • complete a project (e.g. designing a new structure using a range of materials)
  • gain relevant personal, learning and thinking skills, and
  • essential functional skills in English, mathematics and ICT

Employers wanting to ensure that students receive a good understanding of the industry will:

  • include them in site visits
  • involve them in the planning and building of projects
  • offer them the opportunity for mentoring by professionals working in their chosen field.

The aim of the Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment is to give young people better skills and clearer insight into what the sector is like to work in. Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment students are more motivated when they start employment because they are already knowledgeable and equipped with the skills they need to further their careers.

Future of the Diploma in Construction

ConstructionSkills and its partner Sector Skills Councils have worked closely with employers, local authorities, schools and colleges in order to develop a robust and challenging qualification. It gives students a mix of practical knowledge and academic challenges, meaning that construction and built environment industries will have the high calibre of new recruits that they need. Read about plans for the Diploma in C&BE