Since the Government announced it was cutting its Diploma support programme, some have speculated that the demise of the qualification is imminent. But the consensus in the construction industry is that losing the Diploma would be to lose a vital mechanism for developing the skilled workforce our sector needs.

As well as supporting young people in their pursuit of knowledge and sector-specific skills, the Diploma is also developing workers who can solve problems and work in a team. For these reasons, UK Contractors Group member companies will be taking on Diploma holders as a priority.

A recent Ofsted report said the best training has high employer involvement, enabling the learner to become well-equipped for work and the employer to develop a workforce with the skills they require. What is the Diploma if not a qualification that meets Ofsted’s criteria?

Roy Cavanagh, Training manager, Seddon Construction.