Cambridge Education’s brief was to map the skills and knowledge required to be an effective 'Diploma Practitioner' and to use evidence from previous planning and delivery to identify significant gaps in the present workforce. The main references for the analysis were the Diploma specifications, the standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS and QTLS) and other relevant sector skill sets, and the present content of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

One of the main objectives identified for this work was to inform changes to ITT and CPD provision, so that it better equips the workforce in schools and colleges to deliver Diplomas alongside other types of qualifications in the 14-19 age range. It quickly became apparent that successful delivery of a Diploma learning programme requires a team of practitioners, with members often drawn from more than one institution. The requirements for skills and knowledge vary according to role within that team, and it is unlikely that any single individual will possess (or require) the full set.

In negotiation with the TDA, the project remit was quickly changed to focus on defining team roles and identifying the skills and knowledge requirements for each. This new focus had the advantage of informing programme planning and team recruitment, as well as steering ITT and CPD priorities.

A final report featuring case studies of real Diploma delivery models was submitted to TDA in March 2010, and was received enthusiastically:

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for all your help and support throughout the life of the project: it has been a pleasure to work with you and to have the opportunity to gain so much more of an insight into the Diploma workforce through the quality and depth of your work.”

(Ann Reeve, Project Manager – 14-19 Workforce Strategy Team: March 2010)

Find out more
For more information about Cambridge Education’s expertise and insight into workforce planning, development and change management, please email richard.lister@camb-ed.com