CIOB Graduate Diploma Programme

Programme established for graduates without construction-related degrees who are currently working within the construction industry.

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 said, "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.

At the CIOB's first graduation ceremony nine students were awarded certificates confirming their accomplishments, as well as an award going to the highest achievement attained during the three year course.

Since its inception in 2003, the course has expanded, and is now being delivered by three universities through residential based and distance learning.

There are 79 students at various stages undertaking the course to date, with a further 35 already on the waiting list.

The route was developed by a consortium of CIOB, CITB-ConstructionSkills, employers and universities to meet the industry demand for qualified construction managers and surveyors.

In addition, the course is set up to fulfil the CIOB's own education requirements for entry into corporate membership.

There are increasing numbers of graduates entering the industry without construction related degrees (termed 'non-cognates').

The Graduate Diploma Programme is a conversion course designed to complete the technical and managerial components required to support their potential role within a construction firm.

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 programme consists of 12 modules.

For the residential option, students follow a week's course at a university followed by nine to ten weeks back on site with coursework and assessments to complete.

The distance learning option follows the same modules but on an open learning basis.

The programme is run over three years with four modules per year delivered by the universities with the first module being delivered at the National Construction College, Bircham Newton, in conjunction with the CITB for all students.

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.

Recent research by the CIOB revealed that 77 percent of managers (and directors) in construction had problems in recruitment throughout 2006.

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