Construction firm opens doors for new talent

The latest cohort of students are making progress in industry training across the South of England with construction firm Beard.

Seven students are undertaking a year of on-the-job training across the company’s offices in Bristol, Swindon, Guildford and Southampton.

Head of people and communications, Melissa Barber, said: “We’re proud to invest in the next generation of professionals as they lay the foundations for rewarding careers in construction.

“By 2028, 250,000 extra construction workers will be required to meet industry demand, according to figures from the Construction Industry Training Board. So it is vital that, as an industry, we support new talent with training, guidance and mentorship and address the rising demand for skilled professionals in the industry.

“The placement year is just one way we support entrants to the sector. We run a successful trainee programme, offer graduate opportunities, and work in partnership with education providers.”

This year also marks the first time Beard has hosted a Masters student as part of the year in industry programme. Amber Kamugisha, who is studying Architecture at University of Exeter, joins Beard’s design team as she completes her post-graduate degree.

This year’s trainees include:
Mitch Burton: Quantity Surveying, Oxford Brookes University – Southampton office.
Finlay Eaton: Construction Project Management, University of West of England – Bristol office.
James Hall: Mechanical Engineering, University of Exeter – Swindon office.
Izzy Scanlan: Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, Oxford Brookes University – Guildford office.
Jack Thomas: Construction Project Management, Oxford Brookes University – Guildford office.
Jacob Thornton: Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, University of West of England – Bristol office.
Amber Kamugisha: Architecture, University of Exeter – Swindon office.