Construction & the Built Environment Diploma

Student havinf un with a practical activity

What is the Construction & Built Environment Diploma?

The Diploma, introduced in 2008, is a new type of qualification for 14 to 19 year olds designed by employers to help them recruit skilled young people – and to help young people gain the skills that employers want.

Lovell is committed to the Construction and the Built Environment (CBE) Diploma because we believe it will open up a career in the construction industry to a wider range of young people, helping to ensure a better and bigger pool of potential new recruits.

In an industry that is fighting for its share of talented people, there is a real need to recruit new employees with the right skills. Diplomas will ensure that young people are given an insight into the world of work and receive the skills, knowledge and understanding they need for further or higher education and employment. A young person with a diploma will have a fully rounded education, having reached the required standard in maths, English, ICT, personal development skills and sector-related subjects. Hands-on learning in a practical environment is a vital part of the curriculum.

The Diploma is unique as employers are involved in delivering parts of the curriculum.  Lovell, for example, provides illustrated talks on topics such as modern methods of construction and environmental issues, as well as site visits, careers events, work experience and practical projects.  For more information see the Working with Schools page.

Why does Lovell consider holding the Diploma to be an advantage for candidates?

The Construction and the Built Environment Diploma builds up an understanding of the physical extent and significance of the built environment, and of the activities which shape, develop and influence it. The CBE Diploma covers areas such as:

  • Health and safety

  • Sustainability

  • Industry job roles

  • The impact of the built environment on the community

  • Overview of architecture, civil engineering, building services and facilities management

  • The regulatory framework

  • Design processes

  • Enterprise and management challenges.

We believe that the Diploma provides a solid foundation that our apprentices and management trainees can build on with their further qualifications.  It also exposes students to the reality of the construction industry and therefore decisions about a career in the industry will be better informed.  Holding the Foundation CBE Diploma would be an advantage for apprentice candidates, and the Higher and Advanced CBE Diploma would be an advantage for management trainee candidates.  An Advanced CBE Diploma would be an advantage for candidates wishing to be considered for a Lovell Inspire Scholarship at university.

Why is Lovell involved in delivering the Diploma?

The Construction & Built Environment Diploma requires employer involvement to bring the curriculum to life for the students.  Lovell believes the combination of academic and practical learning will give young people joining the industry a better understanding of what is involved. We are encouraged by the extent to which the industry has been consulted throughout the development of the diploma, which means it will be taken seriously and highly valued by employers.

What is Lovell doing to support the Diploma?

So far, our involvement with the diploma has included:

  • Assisting Sandwell CBE Diploma Consortia with their application to deliver the diploma.

  • Contribution to the Employer Forum for Diplomas through the Wolverhampton Education Business Partnership.

  • Hosting of a Professional Development Placement in November 2007 on behalf of Warwickshire Education Business Partnership.

  • Lovell's People Development Manager is a national Diploma Employer Champion and an active member of the Construction Diploma Employers Group.

  • We have carried out a number of talks to students considering taking the CBE Diploma at a number of schools.

  • We are hosting two professional development days for teachers during 2008.

  • We have delivered a number of career talks to diploma students and prospective diploma students.

Where do I get more information on the Construction & Built Environment Diploma?

Check out the dedicated Construction & Built Environment Diploma website.

 

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