Graduates on the construction programme at Barratt Homes work on some of the most innovative projects in the industry.
Barratt Homes is one of the largest home builders in the UK. The company has opened its Accelerated Construction Programme with the aim of drawing the next generation of bright industry minds to work on some of their most innovative projects.
Chris Bell, a Building Project Management graduate from Northumbria University, says he has worked on several exciting projects since joining the programme, including the Chocolate Works.
"I was aware of the Chocolate Works before I joined Barratt because I used to live near York," Chris says. "It is based around a former Terry's Chocolate factory and is next to the racecourse, so it is a flagship development for the area."
"Everything about the build is completely different to anything that has been done before."
Chris says this project was even different to other Barratt projects.
"From the aesthetics of the building to how it was constructed, this project was completely different to what we've done on other sites."
The Accelerated Construction Programme is a twelve month scheme which allows graduates to become fully qualified Assistant Site Managers. Chris says there is a lot of support for graduates to develop.
"I have completed an NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management and several personal development modules such as leadership and time management. They give you a better understanding of how you learn and how you interact with others."
Chris also says there is personal support available for graduates on the Construction programme.
"The working environment is very based on a team philosophy. I receive great support from my project manager, my contracts manager and my site manager ultimately to get the job done."
Life on the programme allows graduates to be growing and developing every day-one of most important aspects of Barratt Homes for Chris.
"The best thing about my job is that I can go to work tomorrow and I know I will learn something new," he says.