Consortia delivering the Diploma from September 2009 have already been selected through Gateway 2, with the current process being for Gateway 3 applications.

Habia has places for a maximum of two attendees from each consortium and places will be allocated in order of receipt of applications. 

Consortia are partnerships between schools, colleges, training providers, employers and other stakeholders such as higher education institutions, universities and local authorities, working together to deliver Diplomas.  All consortia are finally approved by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). 

Schools will work with local colleges and learning providers to deliver the Diploma.  This may be on site at a local learning provider, or it may be within the school if it has the facilities (such as its own salon) with educators from a learning provider providing the teaching.

Local employers will offer work experience to provide exposure to a real work environment, so that the learner develops an understanding of what is required of them.  A minimum of 10 days work experience will give learners an opportunity to use and supplement some of the skills developed in school and college.

Employers wanting to get involved with the Diploma can still do so by linking up with consortia in their Local Education Authority region.