Increasing demand for places on its graduate diploma programme has led to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) enlisting support from other universities to help deliver the course throughout the UK.
The CIOB said it has received nearly 100 enquiries this year from graduates who want to get into the construction industry but do not have a construction-related degree.
And, it added, many employers are turning to these graduates to meet the shortfall and supply the necessary skills.
The programme was designed by a consortium of universities, employers, the CIOB and the CITB-Construction Skills to meet the needs of employers who want to recruit graduates without the relevant qualifications to construction-related jobs.
Eleven graduates took part in the pilot scheme in October 2003, and 18 were recruited in 2004 – but the organisers said that this year’s course will be over-subscribed.
As well as asking universities to help develop and deliver the programme, the CIOB will also contact universities to find out what existing programmes the Diploma may allow access to for those graduates interested in progression.
