Berkeley Homes welcomes latest cohort of 'earn and learn' recruits in Berkshire

House builder Berkeley Homes said it had has welcomed 12 new graduates and apprentices into the Berkshire region this year as the developer continues to invest in talent.

Across the group as a whole, 40 new recruits have joined bringing 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 training.

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Elkie Russell, managing director at Berkeley Homes, Oxford & Chiltern, said: "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. "

Josh Croft, who joined Berkeley Oxford & Chiltern in September 2021 as an apprentice site manager, said: "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."

Meanwhile, Madeleine Mills, also joined Berkeley Oxford & Chiltern at the same time as a land and development apprentice and graduated this summer with a first class degree - BSc (Hons) real estate management.

She said she joined Berkeley mid-way through studying for her degree and was given a day a week to continue with her studies, while gaining hands-on experience working with the land team.

"I recently completed my level 6 apprenticeship and have now transitioned to a full time employee," she said.

"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 added.

The graduates and apprentices have joined teams in construction, technical, land and planning, finance and sales across the Oxford & Chiltern region.