13 January 2010
Figures published last month by the Department for Children, Schools and Families show that 36,441 learners began studying towards a Diploma last September. This compares with an enrolment total of 11,000 in 2008.
Part of the three-fold increase is due to the five new lines of learning added this year, but it also suggests that the Diploma is growing in popularity as it becomes more widely available and better understood.
Schools Minister Iain Wright said: "I am delighted that the figures show that the number of learners taking the Diploma has trebled since last year.
"This significant increase is powerful testimony to the appeal of this qualification and more evidence that this new and exciting qualification is growing ever more popular.
"Young people tell us that the Diploma is a qualification that motivates and challenges them and these figures demonstrate that."
Nick Gooderson, Head of Standards and Qualifications at ConstructionSkills remarked: "These figures are encouraging, considering the fact that we're at the very early stages of this new qualification."
Nick, a key figure in the Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, added: "The Diploma really is a combined industry-wide team effort. All those involved are delivering a unique qualification and exciting learning experience".
