New figures show that more than 350 students successfully achieved the Diploma in Construction and Built Environment (C&BE) qualification for 14 to 19 year olds.

Disappointing results for the Advanced diploma released earlier this month revealed only 58 youngsters passed the course which is equivalent to three-and-a-half A levels.

But latest numbers show that 238 people passed at the Higher level which is equivalent to seven GCSEs grades A* – C and 63 passed at Foundation level.

Big names like Wates, Balfour Beatty, Lovell, Kier and Bovis Lend Lease helped launch the diploma in 2008.

The results come shortly after the coalition Government announced that it will continue to support the qualification as long as there is demand.

Simon Bartley, Chair of the Construction and Built Environment Diploma Development Partnership and Chief Executive of UK Skills said: “The Diploma in C&BE is of huge importance to the construction and built environment industry.

“The qualification opens up the industry to a wide range of young people and helps to ensure a bigger and better pool of potential new recruits.

“The results highlight that the industry’s future is in safe hands with talented young people looking to forge a successful career which is of huge benefit to the UK economy as a whole.”