Trainees taking degree courses discovered the crashed contractor hadn’t paid their university fees for more than a year.

The news sparked an online industry outcry as students faced having to pay thousands of pounds out of their own pockets to graduate.

But construction leaders have now volunteered to help after hearing of the trainees’ plight.

MCS Group managing director Keir Edmonds pledged to put £10,000 towards paying graduation fees and offers of help were also made by Graham and The Construction Consultants.

Edmonds said: “We are passionate about supporting young people coming into the construction sector. It is well known that there is a severe skills shortage and we need to do all we can to encourage people to consider a career in construction.

“We have our own apprenticeship scheme, which we are proud of, and we enjoy seeing our employees develop and progress.

“So, when I heard that some Shaylor students faced being denied their degrees because their tuition fees hadn’t been paid, I felt we had to show some support in their hour of need.”

He added: “We have donated £10,000 towards payment of the outstanding fees. I hope that other construction companies will be able to follow suit and provide similar support so that these people can graduate and continue with their careers.

“The Birmingham and Midlands construction market is buoyant with opportunities for  young people looking to pursue a career in the sector. We shouldn’t let a negative scenario detract form the fact that there’s a lot of good work being carried out by sensibly run businesses.”

The trainee’s plight was first highlighted by Stepnell senior quantity surveyor Louise Anderson who left Shaylor in March.

She said: “I’m gobsmacked by all the support.

“MCS have kindly offered to pay £10k towards the fees which is such a kind offer and very gratefully received.”

“I didn’t expect such a fantastic response, blown away to be honest.”