FEARS about rising levels of youth unemployment has led to a call for more companies in London to help teenagers get more work-based diploma qualifications. A diploma scheme running in several London boroughs is being re-launched and expanded this-morning

FEARS about rising levels of youth unemployment has led to a call for more companies in London to help teenagers get more work-based diploma qualifications.

A work-based diploma scheme running in several London boroughs is being re-launched and expanded this-morning (Tuesday) to take in more subjects that youngsters from 14 to 19 can study while on part time work experience with companies in their area.

The scheme is run by a partnership’ of local authorities, schools, colleges and employers in each area, including two in East London, Newham and Barking & Dagenham.

Newham consortium is now offering four new subjects, Business, Administration & Finance, Hair & Beauty, Hospitality and Manufacturing & Product Design.

It already offers the Construction & the Built Environment, Creative & Media, Engineering, IT and Society, Heath & Development.

Barking & Dagenham consortium is offering Hair & Beauty, Hospitality and IT for the first time, in addition to Society, Heath & Development, Creative & Media and Engineering.

The Diploma qualification combines classroom study with what pupils have learned in the workplace, so they are able to progress to further study, university or jobs.