Construction Diploma attracts 25% fewer students than planned

The credit crunch could be hitting student numbers on the Construction and the Built Environment Diploma. The scheme is officially launched today by education secretary Ed Balls, but it is struggling to attract students with take-up stalled at just over 3,000 - 25% less than originally planned.

Forty-four training consortia have been set up to deliver the C&BE Diploma.

About 4,000 students were expected to sign up in the first year, but some consortia are reporting less than 50% take-up of available places, raising concerns about funding.