A new partnership between Redrow and Nottingham Trent University will put students in the front row for industry placements and future employment. It will also create opportunities for special lectures, site visits and financial support.
The housebuilding company have agreed a three-year deal with the university’s School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment, committing to a range of opportunities that will include bursaries to support disadvantaged students, site visits and access to materials and resources, guest lecturers and inspirational speakers, and providing students with first-hand exposure and experience on live projects.
Announcing the partnership, Redrow’s director of human resources, Karen Jones, said: “Both Redrow and Nottingham Trent university share a culture of excellence coupled with a strong commitment to supporting social mobility, so finalising this agreement has been a real pleasure.”
“Our group chief executive, Matthew Pratt, studied at Nottingham Trent University, so the partnership also cements a long-standing relationship. It will bring very real and long-lasting benefits to students, enriching their education and providing excellent opportunities for social and economic progression within their early careers.”
Redrow has been operating across England and Wales for almost 50 years and has a reputation for inspiring the next generation to build. Around 15% of its current workforce are trainees, including those on various graduate training programmes, undergraduate placements, apprenticeships and other vocational training courses.
Nottingham Trent University has 3,000 students within its School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment, with a worldwide reputation for excellence as well as being a provider of industry-accredited learning. Research shows that 90% of NTU architecture, building and planning graduates who enter employment are in a high-skilled role within 15 months of completing their studies.
Former NTU student, George Brown, now employed by Redrow, commented: “I’ve been very lucky to experience both of these organisations. The placement year with Redrow London during my course gave me valuable real-world experience, which assisted me in completing my degree and a wealth of contacts, which ended up helping me complete my dissertation. Now in my full-time Redrow role I work on a wide range of different projects, have seen all aspects of construction and am still learning new things every day.”
“I’m really excited to hear about the new partnership. It will give NTU students a head-start in a very tough and competitive environment.”
Andrew Knight, executive dean of Architecture and the Built Environment at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Working with the industry is critical to the health of our courses and the graduate opportunities available. I’m delighted that Redrow will be partnering with us to create a talent pipeline for its forward-thinking organisation.”
