Our Yorkshire division has kicked off the new year with an example of how its award-winning graduate training programmes are inspiring the next generation to build.
Twenty-three-year-old Joe Nelson, who works out of our Wakefield offices, has been promoted from a graduate trainee to assistant design engineer.
Joe studied mechanical engineering at the University of Nottingham and gained some experience as an engineer in the building services sector before joining us in January 2021.
He was accepted on to the our technical graduate programme, which allowed Joe to develop his skills and knowledge through structured training and guidance, while being mentored by experienced members of our Yorkshire team.
Our provision for graduates is an influential factor in our strong reputation for encouraging and developing young talent and our ‘Inspiring the Next Generation to Build’ programme was recently named best training or recruitment initiative at the Housebuilder Awards.
Alongside well-documented apprenticeships, our established graduate rotational programme, specialist graduate programme and our own sponsored degree programme contribute to 15% of our workforce being on structured training programmes.
“I joined the team at Redrow Yorkshire for the development opportunities, the company has a great reputation and high-quality standards,” said Joe, who lives in Leeds city centre.
“I’ve really enjoyed working here and the team I work with are great.”
As an assistant design engineer Joe now works closely with the construction team, providing technical input to their site challenges and making sure all the designs are in place for them to get building.
Joe was one of 32 extra graduates recruited to the specialist graduate programme in England and Wales during the Covid pandemic, when we acknowledged that those graduating in 2020 were facing a particularly tough time getting jobs. Posts offered included commercial, construction, land and technical roles.
John Handley, Yorkshire managing director, said: “We were pleased to play our part locally in supporting and nurturing new graduates and helping them build careers in their chosen disciplines. Joe has worked hard since joining the team and has earned his place as a permanent employee.”
Based in Wakefield, our Yorkshire division currently building new homes in and around Leeds, Wakefield and Huddersfield.
For more on its graduate training programmes and apprenticeships go to: Early Careers | Redrow PLC