The Berkeley Graduate Scheme offers university students who have studied quantity surveying, construction, architecture, town planning, estate management and other property related disciplines an opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience in the development process within a renowned FTSE-250 company. The Berkeley Group has also taken on two graduates with an environmental background who will be assisting Berkeley's sustainability team in meeting their challenging targets and maintaining the company's position as a leader in sustainability.
Graduates are assigned to the department most suited to their area of expertise or degree background within one of the Group's operating divisions, where they will be working on award-winning projects such as Gunwharf Quays, Imperial Wharf, Grosvenor Waterside and Royal Arsenal Riverside, all of which have helped to set industry standards for sustainability, design and regeneration.
Established in 1976, the Berkeley Group has transformed itself from a traditional housebuilder, into a pioneering urban regeneration business focusing on mixed-use developments and the creation of sustainable communities within London and the South East. The Group is now made up of a number of award winning companies including Berkeley Homes, St. George, St. James Homes, St. Edward Homes, and Berkeley First.
Rob Perrins, Managing Director of The Berkeley Group Plc comments: "The Berkeley Group values the need to develop new talent and we are committed to this despite the current economic climate. We have specifically chosen 25 graduates who will be given support, training and mentoring in a chosen role, which will add value to the company and allow each graduate to acquire practical skills and knowledge that will act as a platform to their career."
As well as receiving valuable first-hand experience within their designated department graduates are offered a competitive salary and enjoy the same benefits as all Berkeley Group employees, including paid holidays and the ability to join the Group's pension scheme.
After successfully completing the graduate scheme in 2008, Conor McGahon was offered a permanent role within Berkeley Homes (Urban Renaissance) as a Land Buyer. Conor comments: "The graduate scheme was invaluable as Berkeley gave me the opportunity to learn about the complexities of the business with a hands-on approach; I was involved in detailed planning and construction from the very beginning. The scheme also helped me to focus on my career goals and I am extremely happy to be part of this dynamic team."
2010 will see the progression of many exciting projects for the Berkeley Group including the large regeneration projects in Kidbrooke and at Woodberry Down, as well as the ongoing success of Stanmore Place in North West London, the first development by the new division St. Edward Homes.