With only a year to go, young people will soon be able to choose the new Society, Health and Development Diploma (SHD Diploma) as part of their options in schools and colleges. The SHD Diploma will roll out in a small number of sites across England in 2008 and will become part of the English national entitlement in 2013.
The new Diploma is one of the most innovative developments to take place in the education of 14-19 year olds for nearly forty years. The SHD Diploma will open a window to young people on careers in adult social care, community justice, health and the children’s workforce.
It will be offered at Qualification Levels 1, 2 and 3 and is aimed at young people of all abilities. Each is equivalent to
There is also a Level 3* Progression Diploma in SHD, equivalent to 2 A levels.
A focus on functional skills
The SHD Diploma combines a traditional education curriculum with disciplines needed by employers. It features functional skills in numeracy, literacy and ICT framed around occupationally relevant topics. Work based experience will help equip learners with useful transferable skills gained in a real or realistic workplace setting.
Crucially young people will be developing personal, learning, thinking and analytical skills, as well as team working and the communication skills they need for life and work. They will also complete an extended project, giving them the opportunity to stretch their independent research skills. This is the first time a qualification has brought these elements together, and is a clear response to what employers are looking for when recruiting.
Early workforce development
With a shrinking pool of young people, there is growing competition across sectors to recruit individuals to replace a rapidly ageing workforce. Given that 30% of undergraduates are staying within home distance whilst at university, there's a good opportunity through the SHD Diploma for employers to grow and develop a local workforce.
Many employers are already getting involved, offering young people an insight into rewarding and challenging career options. The qualification has been designed so that employers can be flexible around delivery:
‘We understand placements can be an issue for employers, which is why we've taken a more flexible approach using short stints instead of standard week long placements. SHD has been designed so that learners can build up experience through a number of single days or even half day sessions. The idea is to take the pressure off employers and to make the workplace learning meaningful and rewarding for young people.'
Beth Allen, Programme Manager, Healthcare Careers and Skills Academy, City General Hospital - United Hospital of North Staffs NHS Trust
To find out more about the Diploma, or getting involved, visit the new SHD website, which launched in September 2007. See www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/diploma where you can find out what is happening in your region and have your questions answered.
