The students now face having to pay thousands of pounds out of their own pockets to graduate.

The news has sparked fury across the industry with construction professionals stunned at the behaviour of Shaylor chiefs in the run up to the firm going into administration on Monday.

One quantity surveyor said: “It’s just disgraceful.

“These trainees were paid low wages in exchange for their degrees being paid for now it turns out they have been paid a low wage and have to fund the course as well.”

Another former Shaylor staffer said: “When they took me on years ago they paid for my university for five years.

“The first time I met founder Fred Shaylor I though what an awesome company/family and how lucky I was to have landed such a job.

“Fifteen years later I saw the writing on the wall and what had been such a positive place turned completely on its head.

“I bet the old man is turning in his grave.”