The European Sponsorship Association is to launch a professional industry qualification in September 2011.

The ESA Diploma will be the first professional qualification specifically designed for the sponsorship industry. It will be aimed primarily at those already working in the industry, although graduates will also be able to apply.

The six-month course will begin in January 2012 and will be facilitated via a web-based distance learning platform, supported by regular but voluntary tutorials.

ESA has appointed industry guru Peter Raymond to create and administer the Diploma. He will be supported by Chris Bestley who has 10 years experience of running similar courses for the Institute of Promotional Marketing.

“This is the next, important step for ESA in its quest to raise standards and develop professional qualifications within the sponsorship industry,” said ESA chairman, Karen Earl. “I have always thought it a nonsense that no specific industry qualification exists for those working in and wishing to work in the industry. The ESA Diploma will fill that gap”.

The diploma is intended to become a basic entry-level requirement for those in the industry but is suitable for managers and executives of all levels. The course will allow candidates to work through the syllabus at their own pace in either their personal or business time.

For more information, visit the ESA website.

It seems sponsorship is being taken more seriously by both corporate sponsors and rights holders. Indeed, the launch of the course follows the inaugural Corporate Engagement Awards, Communicate magazine's benchmarking of excellence in corporate partnerships and sponsorship.

The Corporate Engagement Awards ceremony takes place in London on 19 July 2011. For more information or to book your place, click here.