Property news: Young people invited to think about a career in surveying

Barratt Developments West Yorkshire is calling on students who might be interested in the sector to find out more about the opportunities available.

Surveyors play a vital part in the housebuilding cycle, from the very first step right through to completion.

Martin Purdy, commercial director at the firm, said: “Within our commercial division, quantity surveying is a much-needed skill that plays a vital role in the housebuilding process.

“Our team of quantity surveyors are involved from the inception of a build, all the way through to post-completion, and it’s a valued profession within our industry.

“The government is suggesting we need to build 200,000 homes a year to provide enough housing for the population, but this will never be delivered without investment in the construction talent of the future, which is why we place such emphasis on this.”

Barratt Developments, which includes both Barratt and David Wilson Homes, is keen to support anyone who joins the firm, something former apprentices Tim Corcoran and Harry Pickles, from Barratt Developments Commercial Division in Morley, can testify to.

The pair recently progressed to quantity surveyor and assistant quantity surveyor positions, highlighting the opportunities available to those who qualify.

Another example is commercial manager Justin Tranmere, who has also progressed through the firm since joining as a school leaver.

He has been promoted numerous times over the last 15 years before gaining his current position.

Mr Purdy added: “Here at Barratt, we always look to develop staff, and a number of our surveyors, including Tim and Harry, have progressed within our organisation from school leavers, through to the surveying roles they’re in today.

“Our apprenticeship programme has won a 
number of awards in recent years, and we strive to select the most talented candidates that show a real enthusiasm to learn.

“It’s great to see this drive with our new employees, as they’re hungry to learn and develop their skills, which makes them great team members and allows them to progress within our team and become real assets.”

Barratt Developments’ apprenticeship programme has received a variety of accolades from a number of industry bodies, including the CITB Apprenticeship Awards, the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, and the National Apprenticeship Service’s BT Macro Employer of the Year Award. 

Visit www.barrattfuturetalent.co.uk for more information on careers with Barratt Developments.