Work experience boost for construction diploma

The number of construction firms offering work experience to students on the government's new Construction and the Built Environment Diploma has leapt by 300% in just a few weeks.

Another 206 construction firms have signed up, bringing the total number of firms on the scheme to 276.

The surprise rise comes despite industry concern over the low numbers of students applying for the scheme - so far, just over 3,000 students have signed up, against a target of 4,000.

In April, only 70 firms had pledged to support the new Diploma, due to be launched in September.

However, a campaign by the Diploma Employer Champions Network, ConstructionSkills and employer groups has seen numbers rocket in recent weeks.

ConstructionSkills welcomed the increase, but warned that more firms will be needed as student numbers rise.

Diploma employer champion Bruce Boughton, Lovell's training manager, said there was a role for every size of firm. He said: "One-man bands are as welcome as big firms."

He refuted criticism that the Diploma does not provide enough work experience. "This is not about providing the traditional old-style work experience, but an opportunity to show the broad range of careers the industry offers by demonstrating the construction cycle to students from project conception to sale in a variety of ways, both on and off site."

CECA's training director Joe Johnson, who recently raised concerns about student numbers, welcomed the increased industry support. "The Diploma must be marketed hard to both students and the industry if it is to work," he said.