The house builder revealed that more than 800 people applied for places this summer when the course was opened-up to non-employees for the first time.

The degree programme  is run in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and Coleg Cambria with students splitting their time between studying and working in one of Redrow’s divisions across England and Wales.

Previously only Redrow employees with a level three qualification, or a minimum five years in the industry could embark on the programme to attain a BSc (Hons) Construction Management in Housebuilding.

This year school leavers with three A-Level pass grades or a BTEC Level 3 were invited to apply sparking a flood of interest.

The 17 successful candidates joined Redrow divisions recently and their degree learning will start in January.

Anna Milne and Kate Hopkins, Heads of Talent at Redrow, said: “We were blown away by the volume of high-quality applications we received for our Sponsored Construction Management Degree Programme.

“Many students who completed their A-Levels or BTEC courses this summer wanted a higher education route which provided important skills for an exciting career, at the same time as providing an income.

“Our degree is fully funded by Redrow and allows students to study for a BSc (Hons) Construction Management in Housebuilding and learn on the job whilst getting paid. Our first cohort, enrolled in 2017, are now in their final few months of the degree.

“They have learned so much that has been invaluable to their careers and have also made life-long friends – we’re now excited to welcome our new students to Redrow and wish them the best of the luck.”