The Diploma has been designed by employers for employers so that young people are better prepared for work. The first schools and colleges will be offering Diplomas from September 2008. The specific Diplomas available from 2008 are Construction and the Built Environment, Creative and Media, Engineering, Information Technology, and Society, Health and Development.

Young people will gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed by different employment sectors through theoretical study and practical experience. To get a Diploma they will have to demonstrate functional skills in English, Maths and ICT, along with personal skills such as the ability to communicate and work in teams.

The NE Group is an established regional partner in terms of delivering excellence in Business Support. This project is an excellent opportunity to engage in both general business support and specific activity that will enable you to engage with our most important future assets. In particular, this project is about creating the right links between employers and the educational Diploma system to ensure that the views of the employer are adequately represented in the development of the learning curriculum. In addition, this system seeks to ensure that students leaving the Diploma will have up-to-date and relevant industry experience giving them an opportunity to make an effective early contribution to the furtherance and development of your business.

In order to make this work effectively for all partners, The NE Group is able to offer support to your business in the following areas;

• General Business Support
• Health & Safety Advice and Action Planning
• CRB Check Financial Support
• Work Placement Preparation
• Placement Liaison and Support
• Training & Development

Getting involved with the Diploma means that you can help make sure that young people get the skills you need from them.