Crest Nicholson to launch Early Careers Programme as Kickstart Scheme concludes
Following the success of the government-backed Kickstart Scheme, Crest Nicholson has announced that its own Early Careers Programme will launch later this year, encouraging young talent into the housebuilding industry. The scheme will give individuals the skills to build their career, with the opportunity to work in a range of areas from Land Buying to Surveying and Architectural Technician roles.
The Kickstart Scheme, which was introduced by the government during the pandemic, provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. However, with the scheme due to end in September this year, the home builder will launch its own continuation of the initiative, committing to recruit c25 trainee roles to join the business. The roles do not require specific sector experience and a broad range of channels will be used to encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
Jane Cookson, Group HR Director at Crest Nicholson comments: “We have been impressed with our intake of Kickstart trainees and are delighted to announce we will be launching our own version of the scheme, the Early Careers Programme. At Crest Nicholson we are committed to increasing diversity within the housebuilding industry and the Kickstart scheme has allowed us to broaden our talent pool. For strong candidates, the intention is to offer them a permanent job at the end of their six-month placement, providing us with exceptional home-grown talent.
“The Early Careers Programme which will be launched later this year will be combined with our already existing Graduate programme, with places also available for people who do not have experience in house building or the standard entry level requirements – we will be looking for candidates with enthusiasm and drive to succeed.”
Niamh Grace, Trainee Quantity Surveyor on the Kickstart scheme comments: “During the first lockdown back in March last year I lost my job in the hospitality industry and was unemployed for several months looking for work. When I found out about the Kickstart scheme I applied for a placement with Crest Nicholson and I’ve loved every minute since. I have joined the commercial team and am finding the work really varied and am learning new skills everyday. I didn’t know much about the home building before joining and hadn’t considered working in the sector before, but now I can really see myself continuing along this career path.”
Harry Delaney, who began the Kickstart scheme with Crest Nicholson in April, comments: “Before joining the Kickstart scheme with Crest Nicholson I had just finished my university degree, but I was struggling to find a job during the pandemic. I am currently working in the HR team and am really enjoying the work. The scheme has given me a platform to gain experience and I’m building some really valuable, transferrable skills. When the scheme is over, I hope that I will be able to continue to develop a career in HR.”
The Kickstart scheme at Crest Nicholson gives trainees the opportunity to work in their chosen business area for a six-month period, including the finance team, technical, commercial and HR. Likewise, the Early Careers Programme will provide structure and rotation for individuals to learn about the business. It will provide Crest Nicholson with a platform to home grow talented individuals to feed succession plans and offer an opportunity for more senior roles in the future.
For more information about careers, visit www.crestnicholson.com/careers/vacancies.
