A newly qualified graduate is celebrating after being the first to complete a degree with a local housebuilder.
22-year-old Beth Salisbury, from Leicestershire, is the first person in the East Midlands to complete Redrow’s sponsored degree programme.
Fully funded by Redrow, the degree programme launched in 2017 in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University and teaches participants the skills needed to work in a range of departments at Redrow, over a three-year period. The first dedicated degree of its kind, students split their time between studying and working in one of the developers’ divisions across England and Wales.
The Construction Management in Housebuilding degree is designed for those looking to kickstart their career, working alongside the housebuilder’s most experienced employees while studying for a qualification.
Beth graduated earlier this year with a First Class Honours in her Construction Management in Housebuilding degree, she now works as a quantity surveyor in the East Midlands division.
Beth said: “I wanted to go into the property industry as a lot of my family work within the housebuilding sector, making it a trade which I was heavily exposed to as a child.
“My dad works for a leading supplier of facing bricks, dealing with some of the country’s major housebuilders, so from a very early age I had an interest in his role, as well as house building in general. During my school years I had an avid curiosity for business and economics, so becoming a quantity surveyor fit these passions all together perfectly.”
Commenting on the qualities required to be a successful graduate at Redrow, Beth added: “While the opportunity to complete a degree alongside working full time is unparalleled, it comes with its obstacles. Time management, perseverance and dedication are probably the three most important qualities needed when it comes to completing the degree while also making progress within your career.
“For anyone who has the drive and determination to climb the career ladder while also gaining a highly valued qualification, the opportunity is second to none. I couldn’t recommend the degree scheme enough.
“For anyone considering a Redrow sponsored degree programme, I would say go for it! It’s not often the chance comes around to work for such a reputable company, gaining valuable experience to progress in your career, surrounded by colleagues with years of experience to learn from, while also gaining an extremely well-regarded qualification.”
James Corden, Head of Commercial, at Redrow East Midlands, concluded: “We are delighted that Beth has graduated with flying colours from the Redrow sponsored degree programme here in the East Midlands.
“Each year – as part of our continued commitment to valuing people – we provide opportunities for young people in the area to kickstart a career in housebuilding. From work experience and apprenticeships to sponsored degrees and graduate programmes, here at Redrow East Midlands we offer something for everyone.
“I’m delighted that Beth is now working in our Commercial team as a quantity surveyor and I look forward to working with her throughout her career with us. It’s wonderful to have witnessed so many success stories, including Beth, who never ceases to amaze us with her hard work and willingness to learn. I’d advise any school leavers searching for a rewarding career to look into our degree, we’ll be excited to welcome more sponsored degree participants to begin their career with us.”
Redrow’s sponsored degree programme provides a deep dive into housebuilding skills, including assessing quality, project management, health and safety, business skills and negotiation, right through to relevant aspects of law, mathematics and economics.
