MP Jim Knight, who is the minister for Schools and Learners, visited the Harworth school to meet with the lucky pupils who were selected to start the two-year qualification this September.

He also met with A1 Housing officers Don Spittlehouse, Phil Fores and Yvonne Parker to talk about the work taking place.

Steve Geraghty, acting principal, said 83 Serlby students had applied for the course, but only 20 had successfully won one of the 45 places available in Bassetlaw.

As well as Serlby, the diploma will be delivered at Valley School and North Notts College to students from various schools across the district. "The students have been going through a rigorous interview process for the past few weeks and it's a shame that some of them were disappointed not to get a place," said Mr Geraghty.

"It's great to see our pupils have aspirations in civil engineering, surveying and even eco-architecture and they are going to have a great opportunity, particularly in an industry where such skills are highly valued."

"And it's not just a hands-on course – it's more wide-ranging in what it covers, from health and safety to project management, as well as the practical aspects."

"Mr Knight was really pleased with what he saw and I think the students got a lot out of it."

Mr Spittlehouse, deputy managing director at A1 Housing, said it was 'an honour' to meet the minister and share with him the success of the project.

"Pupils who choose to take the diploma at the school get the chance to be educated across a range of professional construction activities," he said.

"This in turn can lead to employment opportunities within the construction industry."

"A1 is working with the school and other key partners and has supported this initiative from the inception through to the business planning stages."

"We have also given ongoing commitment to support the project in the form of on site work placements and career opportunities."