Graduation Of First-Ever ESA Diploma Students

The inaugural graduation of the 2012 ESA Diploma students took place last week. Some 40 students undertook the six-month distance learning course, which represents the sponsorship industry’s first-ever academic qualification.

Lord Morris of Handsworth was joined by the European Sponsorship Association (ESA) Chairman, Karen Earl, and Course Director Peter Raymond at the House of Lords where certificates were presented.

Among the group, three students achieved distinction - James Blundell, Joanna Hunter Smart and Jonathan Steel and James was awarded the Top Student Accolade.

Karen Earl said the day marked a very special moment in the sponsorship industry’s history and signified the maturity of a sector that continues to grow and is worth over €23 billion globally.“The graduation is about applauding the hard work of the students who undertook the studies in their own time while holding down a full-time job. It is not an easy qualification and to have the words 'ESA Dip' after your name is a tremendous achievement. 

Earl continued: “We anticipate that this standard entry-level qualification will fast become a necessity for those wishing to practise in the sponsorship industry”.

Peter Raymond added that the ESA Diploma has been developed by renowned sponsorship experts and is very much about the industry training the industry. “The industry support has been exceptional and by continuing to incorporate the latest thinking within the syllabus, the Diploma will be an essential educational requirement for those working in sponsorship”.

The graduation ceremony included guests who had mentored students within their own organisations, contributed content to the syllabus and marked course work, as well as representatives from the course sponsors – Activative, ICON and Sport England.

Prior to the start of the next course in January 2013, ESA is holding a free workshop in London on the 30th November to provide a taster of what the Diploma entails. The workshop is open to all and to find out more, contact the ESA Office via esaoffice@sponsorship.org or telephone 020 8390 3311.