CITB launches £1m degree scholarships

CITB-ConstructionSkills has joined with leading contractors to launch a £1m scholarship scheme that is open to the top 35% of students applying for October 2005 places on degree courses in construction and the built environment.

The Inspire Scholarship scheme will offer 60 packages for undergraduates with funding of up to £9,000 to support them through university. In addition, sponsoring employers will provide a 10-week work experience summer placement at the end of the students’ first year.

There may also be further placement opportunities as well as potential employment on graduation.

Sponsoring firms include Amec, Balfour Beatty, Mowlem, and Persimmon. They are providing matching funding to top up the £500,000 offered by the CITB.

Nicola Thomson, CITB marketing director, said: "An increasing number of school leavers are opting for construction degree courses. However, the trend needs to accelerate rapidly to meet the needs of the industry.

"Almost half of employers who took part in a recent construction industry survey reported skills gaps are causing serious problems which the Inspire Scholarships should help address."