The first wave of graduates without a construction related degree have passed through the Chartered Institute of Building’s Graduate Diploma Programme (GDP).

Anna Price, CIOB higher education manager, says: “We have students in the programme who have first degrees in criminology, Irish studies and many other non construction related courses. It is really encouraging to see that the construction industry is attracting a diverse range of graduates.  By recognising young people’s potential outside of construction degrees we can face the industry’s current skills shortage with some optimism.”

The programme has been established for graduates without construction-related degrees who are currently working within the construction industry. There are 79 students at various stages undertaking the course to date, with a further 35 already on the waiting list.

To register for the programme, a candidate must have already gained an honours degree and either be accepted for employment or already appointed within the industry.

 The UK construction industry must attract and train an estimated 87,000 new entrants every year for the foreseeable future to meet the skills gap.