Berkeley has welcomed 12 new graduates and apprentices into the Berkshire region this year, with 5 joining in January and further 7 in September, as the company continues to invest in the next generation of talent. September recruits are part of Berkeley’s latest ‘earn and learn’ training roles – a total of 40 new recruits are joining the businesses across The Berkeley Group.
The graduates and apprentices joined Construction, Technical, Land and Planning, Finance and Sales teams across the Oxford & Chiltern region.
Josh Croft, who joined Berkeley Oxford & Chiltern in September ’21, as an Apprentice Site Manager, comments: “I was in two minds as to whether to go to University, or to apply for an apprenticeship scheme, but decided that ‘on the job training’ would work better for me and I am so glad I did! Since joining the Berkeley Apprenticeship programme, I have learnt so much about the construction industry in a short space of time. I have been lucky to work across a mix of developments, gaining hands-on experience on the different build stages of both houses and apartments.
“I have recently been asked to take one of the new apprentices under my wing – so am looking forward to training them up. Berkeley has been very supportive, constantly giving me opportunities to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities – I would highly recommend their ‘Earn & Learn’ programme as a great way to kick start a career in construction.”
Madeleine Mills, joined Berkeley Oxford & Chiltern in Sept ‘21 as a Land and Development Apprentice and graduated this summer with a first class degree – BSc (Hons) Real Estate Management. She explains her journey “I joined Berkeley mid-way through studying for my degree – I was given a day a week to continue with my studies, whilst gaining valuable hands-on experience working with the Land team. I recently completed my level 6 apprenticeship and have now transitioned to a full time employee.
“I have learnt so much since joining the company and have been given some great opportunities to work on some interesting mixed use regeneration projects. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the huge positive impact they’re having on the local community. I’ve also been working closely with numerous stakeholders, including members of the local council and various community groups, which has also been very rewarding – every day brings a new challenge.
“In February, I was invited to Eden Girls School in Slough to speak to over 120 students about our Horlicks Quarter regeneration project, highlighting the importance of brownfield regeneration and its role in driving social, environmental, and economic development in the area. My aim was also to inspire young women to consider careers in the built environment. I am looking forward to work alongside/mentoring our new Land & Development apprentice who has just joined our team and supporting her through the early years in her career,” she concluded.
Elkie Russell, Managing Director, Berkeley Homes, Oxford & Chiltern concludes: “Every year our graduate/apprenticeship programme enables us to recruit young people from the local community and give them a solid foundation on which to build a successful career in the construction industry. Maddi and Josh are great examples of bright, talented individuals who have really flourished within our recruitment programme, and I believe are set to play a key role in our future success in the region.”
The combined new intake across The Berkeley Group brings the total number of employees in accredited ‘earn and learn’ training roles to more than 250, which includes around 120 apprentices, over 50 graduates and 80 sponsored students undertaking at least a year of accredited training.
Berkeley supports skills development through a network of dedicated skills managers, mentors, the Berkeley Academy training centre, an online Learning Management System, and a network of external training partners.
