The Government has given the green light for the new Diploma in Retail Business to be taught in schools and colleges across England.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families gave the go-ahead for 42 partnerships of schools, colleges and training organisations to start teaching the Diploma for 14-19 year olds from September 2010.
Retailers have welcomed the announcement on the retail-specific qualification.
Philip Marchant, corporate development director at Spar UK and chair of the Diploma Steering Group said: “I am delighted to see that the diploma will be delivered in more than 40 areas from 2010 – a number that will only increase in future years. It is a fantastic new qualification that we have been working really hard to make right for retailers, and I can’t wait to see it in action.”
John King, chief executive of House of Fraser and Diploma in Retail Business Champion, said: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the diploma and for retail. It will give students all over the country the opportunity to study retail business for the first time and we look forward to the programme growing further as we continue its development.”
Running alongside GCSEs and A Levels, the diploma will combine classroom study with workplace experience and retail-based learning.
The Diploma in Retail Business has been developed by Skillsmart Retail, the Sector Skills Council for Retail, in consultation with employers including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Spar, and Waitrose.
To find out more about the diploma, go to www.diplomainretailbusiness.com
