Recognition Scheme for the Diploma in Construction and Built Environment launched

The Recognition Scheme will enable supporting companies to showcase their commitment in helping develop tomorrow’s workforce. 

Firms will receive a certificate and a recognition mark that they will be able to use in their marketing material as a badge of pride in their efforts to help young people prepare for a future in work or higher education.

Today, Wates Construction, became the first company to receive recognition for their commitment in developing the Diploma in C&BE. They were presented with their Recognition Scheme mark and certificate at their head office in Leatherhead. 

The Recognition Scheme pack will be sent to all 44 of the successful 2008 consortia, which between them are working with the support of hundreds of employers across England and as more consortia are successful the pack will be rolled out across the Country.

Schools Minister Jim Knight said: “The Diploma is an exciting new educational option for young people, which combines theoretical study with practical experience and best prepares them for higher education or work.  We thank all of the organisations who have pledged their support for the Diploma.” 

Nick Gooderson, Head of Standards and Qualifications at ConstructionSkills, said: “The Recognition Scheme has been developed to congratulate companies up and down the country who have committed their time and effort to improve the skills base of the future.”

Dave Smith, Managing Director of Wates Construction, said: "In today’s fast paced working environment, you can’t assume that one size fits all.  Academic training is important, but practical skilled-based training plays a key role in developing a workforce with the right skills for individual businesses and the wider construction industry. Wates is enormously proud to be involved with the Diploma in C&BE and believe it will go some way to developing a highly skilled workforce for the future.”

Already nearly 300 firms have committed to support the Construction and Built Environment Diploma including Major contractors; Seddon Group,  Bovis, Laing O’Rourke, Lovell, Wates, Rok, Balfour Beatty, Kier, Persimmon Homes and Carillion.

Roy Cavanagh, Training Manager of Seddon Group and Diploma Employer Champion said: “We are offering work experience placements, on-site and school visits but it’s entirely up to the business how involved they are. Firms recognise this is an excellent opportunity to raise their profile within their local communities. It’s also a way of developing new recruitment channels.”

 For further information about the C&BE Diploma

- Ends -

Notes to Editors

Key facts on the Diploma:      

• The Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (C&BE) has been developed by the Diploma Development Partnership (DDP) made up of ConstructionSkills, Summit Skills, Asset Skills, Proskills, Energy & Utility skills and the ECITB
• The Diploma is a new qualification for young people aged 14-19
• It has been designed so that young people are better prepared for work and life
• The first Diploma courses started in September in selected areas of England, including London and Surrey
• By 2011 all students in the country will be able to choose a Diploma in one of 17 disciplines
• There are three levels of Diploma – Foundation, Higher and Advanced – that will be graded in the same way as GCSEs and A-levels
• The Foundation Diploma is equivalent to 5 GCSEs grade D-G; the Higher Diploma is equivalent to 7 GCSEs grade A*-C; the advanced Diploma is equivalent to 3.5 A Levels grade A*- E

Key facts on the Recognition Scheme:

• The scheme is designed to the commitment the organisation has shown in supporting the C&BE Diploma.
• Recipients are likely to be employers, but universities or other institutions can also receive recognition if they are promoting the C&BE Diploma as an entry route to higher education
• Employers will be able to display the certificate in their premises and logo on letterheads, invoices, vehicle sides, websites etc
• The Scheme starts on 25th September 2008

For more information, please contact:                 

Andrew Mabey, Press Office at  ConstructionSkills on  0300 456 5407 or email andrew.mabey@cskills.org, OR

Betty Nwosu at Geronimo Communications on 020 7299 8775 or email       betty.nwosu@geronimocommunications.com,