Diploma course for public sector work

The course, which will be taught in schools in Barnsley, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York, aims to give students an insight into the range of jobs available for public authorities.

The diploma in public services will include modules in areas such as protecting society, leadership and management, fitness, health and wellbeing and strengthening communities.

It will also give students insight into jobs as wide ranging as police dog handlers, fire officers, museum administrators or housing officers.

The diploma is being launched in 66 areas from September and rolled out nationally in 2013.

Lis Martin from Skills for Justice, which is responsible for developing the new qualification said: "The diploma in public services is exactly what the public sector has been crying out for – a qualification that will channel enthusiastic young people into the many fantastic careers on offer in the sector.

"The diploma will provide a new lease of life to the sector and will ensure that employees of the future are well equipped with relevant knowledge to prepare them for work."

Val Malcolm, the interim 14-19 project director for the Barnsley Diploma Consortium, said: "We're delighted that Barnsley will shortly be able to offer this exciting new qualification to local young people. It will prepare them for their future careers in a way that no subject has before."

Diplomas can be taken at three different levels: foundation which is equivalent to five GCSEs grades D to G, a higher diploma which is worth seven GCSEs grade A* to C and an advanced diploma which is worth three-and-a-half A-levels.