Berkeley Group has welcomed another 43 new starters onto its award-winning graduate and apprenticeship programmes.
The 20 new apprentices and 23 graduates are part of the company's efforts to tackle the industry’s skills challenges and develop the next generation of talent.
The new starters join at a time when Berkeley is reshaping its approach to recruitment. In a sector where women make up just 15% of the workforce (Office for National Statistics), this new intake represents positive progress, with 35% of apprentices and 65% of new graduates being female.
Berkeley’s progress reflects the introduction of ‘blind recruitment’ and a capability-focused assessment process, as-well-as a continued effort by inspiring female role models to encourage more women to join the sector and to challenge outdated perceptions.
The new starters are beginning their journey with a week-long induction, before moving on to tailored training programmes designed to provide hands-on experience alongside industry-leading experts.
“Helping people realise their potential is hugely important to Berkeley Group. We work closely with local partners to ensure that communities surrounding our regeneration sites can access the jobs and training opportunities we create. I wish all our new starters every success as they begin their journeys with us.”
“I’ve been so happy here. We make a real impact on communities, transforming brownfield sites into thriving, attractive places. Seeing that transformation is incredibly rewarding.”
Henderson Cummins graduated from his apprenticeship in November and is now working as an Assistant Surveyor at Berkeley’s TwelveTrees Park regeneration site in Newham. Henderson said:
“Growing up in Newham, I was always surrounded by hardworking people who showed me the value of putting the effort in. My apprenticeship at Berkeley gave me the chance to follow that path, build a career I’m proud of and give something back to the place I call home. I always tell people this industry is so much more than just bricklaying. There are so many different roles and opportunities to find your place.”
In 2024/25, an average of 8.7% of Berkeley employees were in earn and learn roles, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to skills development and improving access to careers in the built environment.
Berkeley’s trainees are key to supporting the future of the company, as it brings forward 32 of the country’s most challenging long-term regeneration sites.
The company 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.
Future Skills is one of ten strategic priorities in Berkeley’s long-term business strategy, Our Vision 2030. The company is also a Gold Member of The 5% Club, a network of leading employers committed to ensuring at least 5% of their direct workforce are in earn and learn positions.
In 2025, Berkeley Group was recognised as the fourth best employer across all industries for apprentices and 17th for graduates nationwide, based on anonymous feedback from participants by The Job Crowd.