The first property apprenticeship scheme in the UK has been launched by global commercial real estate services company CBRE, providing an entry route into an industry that has up to now only been recruiting graduates.
Initially, the scheme will offer ten apprentices the chance to become fully qualified chartered surveyors, thanks to assistance from the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust (CSTT).
The programme itself will last for six years, with successful applicants starting this September, studying towards an NVQ and BTEC in surveying. At the beginning to the third year of their apprenticeship, CBRE will be sponsoring trainees on a three-year undergraduate course at university, studying for a BSc in Real estate.
Ultimately, they'll become not just fully qualified chartered surveyors, but also members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as well.
Ciaran Bird, CBRE's UK Managing Director, says: "I started in the industry at 16, and I’m very passionate about offering young people the kind of opportunities that I have had. We are always looking to attract talented people into CBRE and this apprenticeship programme will provide an alternative route into our profession to aspiring, career orientated individuals, irrespective of their background".
CSTT Chief Executive Christina Hirst says: "It is important that businesses continue to invest in the next generation of employees, particularly in these difficult economic times and it is great to see CBRE making this investment. Through offering these apprenticeships we can ensure that the company has the skills needed to meet future demands and address current skills gaps and at the same time provide once in a lifetime opportunities for deserving young people".
