The Diploma in Environmental & Land-based Studies is Launched!

The new Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies is part of a range of new qualifications in England, aimed at young people aged between 14 and 19 years. The Diploma is the most significant development in education since the introduction of GCSEs as it is putting environmental and land-based-related subjects back in mainstream education, giving an invaluable insight into the sector and helping to raise awareness of the many career opportunities available.

Liz Pridgeon, Development Manager of Standards and Qualifications at Lantra, said:

“Lantra research highlights the need to attract new faces into the sector, with 86,000 new workers needed in the next ten years. There can be many misconceptions about the environmental and land-based industries but the new Diploma will highlight the range of rewarding job opportunities on offer. It has also been developed in close consultation with employers so learners completing the qualification will have the hands-on skills and knowledge that businesses require.”

The Diploma combines academic and practical learning to give students the knowledge and skills they need for success in further and higher education or employment within the sector. They are part of the government’s plan to widen the range of high quality qualifications for young people, so that all can find a route to success in learning. As well as learning about the environmental and land-based sector, all Diploma students will continue to develop their functional skills in English, maths and ICT.

Bob Fiddaman, Crops Farmer and Chair of the Diploma Development Partnership added, said:

“Diploma students are learning in a completely new way, enabling them to make the link between classroom learning and the real world of work. These young people will have a career head-start based on a more rounded education, which includes the skills that employers value such as teamwork, communication and enterprise.”

Pridgeon from Lantra concluded:

“The sector needs really well rounded, well qualified, well informed people to come into our industries and the Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies is going to be a good way for young people to develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed.”

Find out out more