Diploma development co-ordinator Martin Callow said consortia of colleges, schools and business which have applied to teach the diploma are more likely to be selected if they have backing from other local companies. Callow said: "The level of involvement of local organisations will be central to successful consortia applications."
Work experience will be a compulsory part of the qualification with employers encouraged to offer work shadowing and hold events such as industry days. The programme wil be rolled out in 2009.
- Employers wishing to help their nearest consortium should visit www.diplomaelbs.co.uk.
