The construction and built environment (C&BE) diploma was introduced in September 2008, as one of five new 14–19 skills-based learning programmes. Students, teachers, employers and others involved in the C&BE diploma have been reflecting on their experiences of the programme, which combines classroom learning with practical experience.
Students at the Earthship community centre in Brighton. © Alys Tomlinson
A range of innovative teaching methods have been developed to deliver the C&BE diploma, including:
- teaching across units
- using an outcome-based approach to teaching
- developing practical tasks and activities.
Nick Gooderson, Head of Standards and Qualifications at ConstructionSkills, says that, “employers have been instrumental in getting the diploma up and running”. Some of the ways in which local employers have made applied learning an exciting component of the diplomas include:
- hosting site visits
- supporting work experience
- visiting consortia colleges to talk about working in the construction industry.
C&BE in Bolton
C&BE diploma students at Bolton College have been looking at two projects in the Greater Manchester area. Bolton Community College’s Paul Cragg says, “We’ve looked at the restoration of the Victorian Baths and Media City, the new home for the BBC in Salford Quays. Visits to the local area make learning real for our students.”
The use of new technology has made the C&BE popular in the Bolton consortia. At Bolton Community College they found using interactive whiteboards in teaching has helped students from nearby Mount Joseph School to excel in their learning.
The students' perspective
Alex Cotrell, a year 10 student at Barnsley College said, “I’m really enjoying the diploma in C&BE. I like the way it balances theory with practical experience. We’ve been on trips to working construction sites which let us see close up the things we have learnt in the classroom. I now understand just how many career options there are in the construction and built environment sectors."
The Street at Blyth Community College © Joe D Miles
Gathering feedback
In October 2008, people involved in teaching diplomas attended the first Diploma Qualification Feedback conference. The event was part of a series of workshops designed to support QCA direct, an online system where teachers and lecturers can give feedback on their experiences of teaching the diploma.
Celebrating the C&BE diploma
A celebration event for the C&BE diploma is taking place at the Lowry Centre in Manchester on 16 March 2009. Sir Michael Latham, chairman of ConstructionSkills, comments: “The event is being held to bring together all the different parties who have helped to make the diploma in C&BE such a success.”
Recognising young talent
In another celebration of learning and skills, October 2008 saw the UK’s most talented construction apprentices come together for the finals of the annual SkillBuild competition. The competition received more than 1,000 entries from young people at 130 colleges.
Martin Quinn received a gold medal in the roof slating and tiling category. He said: “This was the first time I entered SkillBuild. I can’t believe I won. I really enjoyed meeting all the other people in the final as well.” Stonemason Ian Knapper, a winner in the 1994 Skillbuild competition, commented: “Taking part in SkillBuild gives young people more confidence in their work and it’s great for their personal development.”
See also
How organisations can support the C&BE diploma
Further information on the diploma
