Student membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has almost doubled despite the recession.

In stark contrast to the slowdown within the construction sector overall membership (including students) of the CIOB, between July 2008 and July 2009, has grown by 9% with almost 3500 new members joining. The total of CIOB membership now stands beyond 43,000 worldwide.

Over the last six months the Institute has also seen an increase in applications by women, particularly in the student class. Almost 250 female members have been admitted during the first half of 2009.

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Overall female membership now represents 5% of the total CIOB membership. 17% of student members are female.

Bridget Boreham Chief Operating Officer at the CIOB commented: "Our student membership has grown by 43% in the last twelve months. In part this is down to the success of our online application system, but it also shows a growing trend that recognises the importance of professional qualifications at a time of extreme competitiveness.

"This is also reflected in our non-student members where we have also seen an increase in both new members and the retention of existing ones.

"Clearly if you're working in an industry that has been hit as hard as construction has, you need to stand out from your competitors. Unlike academic qualifications professional qualifications say something about your competence by today's standards rather than at some point in the past.

"The increase we are seeing in female applications is encouraging. But like the rest of the industry we still have plenty of work to do before we can claim that we have bridged the divide between construction and the gender imbalance that exists."

(CD/BMcC)