New Construction Degree is Built to Last

16th May 2013

Bespoke courses designed to give employees at one of Britain's biggest house builders the chance to study a degree, have been introduced at Sheffield Hallam University.

Barratt Group has pledged to put 100 students through the new foundation degree programme in residential construction at Sheffield Hallam, with the first cohort of 50 starting in January 2014. Working in partnership with Barratt Developments, teaching staff in the University's Built Environment department have developed the tailor-made programme to equip future employees with the skills and expertise to help strengthen the firm in the future. The course will contain elements of work-based learning with each student being assigned to a mentor. It follows the University's successful partnership with construction company, Kier. Professor Paul Watson, head of Sheffield Hallam's Built Environment department, said: "We are committed to working closely with businesses to produce skilled professionals that can help their organisations to strengthen and grow. "Our new partnership with Barratt has come on the back of our successful work with Kier, who gained real benefits from the combination of work experience and academic study. "This new course will give Barratt students the chance to have an input into the success of the business and I'm looking forward to welcoming our first intake in the new year." Rob Tansey, Barratt Developments Group HR Director, said: "We have seen a significant increase in the pace of demand in the property market and it's vital that we maintain our highly-skilled workforce. "We are extremely impressed with the work Sheffield Hallam does with local businesses and we are delighted to be working in partnership with them to provide this fantastic opportunity for those keen to make their mark in the property market." Applications for the foundation degree will launch in June and successful candidates will be invited to an induction ceremony later this year. To apply or for more information visit www.buildingcareerstogether.co.uk