Given the sharp decline the industry has suffered in the recession it is somewhat surprising that recruitment has held up so well, this may indicate that many young people consider the industry will continue to offer rewarding employment within the UK and overseas. However, the construction industry has the advantage that it is one of the few UK industries which cannot be shipped abroad, and there is much work needed to both the UK infrastructure and housing stock. Taken as a whole the Construction Industry is a major contributor to UK GDP (directly c. 8.5% in 2008, rising to c.10% overall when the entire value chain is considered) and a driver of historical GDP growth. The construction industry value chain consists of c.300,000 firms, including many small and medium-sized family and local businesses. The sector employs c.3 million people in a multitude of roles representing 8% of UK employment.

The need to stimulate demand within the economy using the construction industry appears to be one thing on which both political parties agree. Recently the Business Secretary Dr Vince Cable described construction as “a very big chunk of the economy” and went on to state “if we are going to get out of this period of economic crisis, the construction industry is a key driver “ Dr Cable identified housing and infrastructure as two key areas that needed to be addressed. Similarly the shadow Chancellor has identified the need to increase the amount of housing provision. A 2009 report by the Construction Industry Council on the impact of the recession on the professions identified that “Construction managers too will need a broader level of understanding with respect to the design and construction of the building” and that “the expected move towards greater energy efficiency and sustainability will place new demands on both construction industry professionals and construction managers and may create new opportunities”. Furthermore the same report identified “There will be an increasing need for managers with an understanding of the nature of the building and how to operate it at its optimum efficiency” This programme is designed with the above issues in mind. For example, module outcomes address concerns such as sustainability, energy efficiency, facilities management along with the more familiar outcomes such as management theories, literacy, problem solving and client needs. Supplementing these is a range of higher level skills which have been designed to integrate with module outcomes. This programme will meet industry demands and in doing so provide a sound intellectually demanding vocational learning experience linked to industry and professional body a requirement that satisfies the needs of both students and employers. Furthermore, the programme team has developed the aims of the programme to enhance the development of technical competence and training at a level, which is capable of meeting industry’s current requirements for middle management. The Civil Engineering and Environmental Management pathway is formulated to provide the graduate with a range of skills that will enable them to enter positions within both client and contracting organisations. The diverse nature of the pathway focusing on both environmental matters and civil engineering matters offers students a range of possible careers opportunities within these fields.