Oct 31 2005
University graduates looking for a fulfilling career that offers tangible results and a chance to make a real difference to the lives of thousands of people are being encouraged to choose a career in regeneration.
National regeneration agency English Partnerships' Graduate Development Programme is seeking creative, innovative and visionary people to help turn around some of England's most disadvantaged areas.
Five hundred graduates applied to join the scheme when it was launched last year, and 12 successful applicants took up placements at the agency in September. More graduates are now invited to apply for the next programme starting in Autumn 2006. The two-year programme offers graduates the opportunity to spend two years with English Partnerships gaining hands-on experience of many different areas of regeneration, such as planning, urban design, housing, programme management and community consultation. Working on projects in different regions, and taking up placements at organisations such as the Housing Corporation, Regional Development Agencies and private-sector companies will ensure a well-rounded approach and maximise the benefits graduates can gain from the programme.
Pamela Lewis, Head of People Development for the agency, said, “The regeneration sector is a growing industry that offers a wealth of opportunities. English Partnerships is well placed to act as an ambassador for the profession and our Graduate Development Programme aims to attract the best people into the industry and help them become high-calibre regeneration experts.
“There was a high level of interest to the first year of this programme with applications from graduates from a variety of disciplines, and we are looking forward to a similar response this year. Regeneration is a multi-faceted industry requiring a mix of people with different skills and specialist knowledge. We are looking for people with a passion for regeneration and the drive to learn the skills so vital to working on projects that transform local communities and the country as a whole. By growing our own experts we want to ensure a continuous supply-line of much needed professionals to our industry.”
To join English Partnerships’ Graduate Development Programme, applicants are required to have a minimum of 260 UCAS points, a good degree and a demonstrable understanding of and interest in the field of regeneration. For the successful applicants, an initial salary in excess of £21k is offered together with a final salary pension scheme, generous holiday allowance and funding to achieve a further recognised qualification.
The closing date for applications is 16 December 2005.