As part of Barratt Developments continued commitment to become a more diverse and inclusive work place and linked to the success of the partnership last year, They are again working with the disability charity, Leonard Cheshire, to support their Change 100 programme.  This programme offers talented, disabled students and graduates three months of paid work experience.

This year, they have worked with Leornard Cheshire to offer placements in our Bristol and North Thames Divisions. They have since spoken to both students and their managers about the programme 

Saskia Buck  – Change 100 Placement Student in Bristol 

  1. Tell us a bit about your role and what you have been doing?

“I have been working in the Technical team in Bristol for the summer. This has given me a fantastic chance to learn about the way you work together as a company and what it is like to work in an office full time. 

I have been using Conject, uploading drawings and checking that all the drawings are up to date. I have also been marking up drawings to make sure that the heating drawings from Coates Design Partnership and our drawings are the same. I have been to meetings, and helped prepare for them.  

  1. How have you found your placement and your time at Barratt so far?

I have really enjoyed my placement so far and am looking forward to the following few weeks where I hope to learn more about the industry. I have found that everyone is really friendly here at Barratt and have made a lot of new friends. I hope to be able to take the skills from this opportunity to my future working career, I would love to return to Barratt next summer or after my degree.   

  1. What support have you had from Leonard Cheshire and Barratt?

I have had a lot of support from both Leonard Cheshire and Barratt. Leonard Cheshire have given me great support through the training days so far, although these have included costly travelling and a lot of extra time. I have learnt a lot of new skills to use in the future whilst at Barratt Homes.  

This has also given me the opportunity to develop ways to inform people of my disability without feeling judged or discriminated against. Barratt Homes has given me more confidence in talking about my disability and has made me feel positive about discussing it with future employers.

  1. Overall would you recommend the scheme to others?

I would definitely recommend the scheme to others as it has given me an opportunity that I never thought I would be able to do. It has meant that I am now feeling positive about applying for jobs in the near future.”

John Needham, Technical Manager, Bristol  said:

“Saskia has fitted in really well within the department and has undertaken a good deal of work to assist our team. She has a nice friendly personality and has been very polite throughout her time with us. She takes on board instructions well and gets tasks completed promptly and to timescales set.

I have spoken to Saskia who says she has really enjoyed the experience and feels that she has come a long way in her own development. She has learnt a lot about dealing with people / situations and being more confident, coping with workload and all whilst living away from home for the first time in her life. She also enjoyed having the responsibility of having to get up early, prepare for work and walk to work every day. “

Luke Neil –  Change 100 Placement Student in North Thames

  1.  Tell us a bit about your role and what you have been doing? 

I’m in the Finance team, so day to day I reconcile payments from the divisional account. I set up financial transactions and cheque requisitions and coordinate department directors to obtain authorisation. I also liaise with utility providers to dispute bill liabilities for plots all over the country.

  1. How have you found the placement and your time at Barratt so far?

 I have really enjoyed my placement. It had been a hugely eye opening experience. It has allowed me to obtain vast knowledge about the development industry and gain valuable accountancy skills. The opportunity to network and learn from my colleagues

  1. What support have you had from Leonard Cheshire and Barratt?

Alongside day to day support on queries regarding workers’ rights to emotional support Leonard Cheshire provide an attentive support team which are only ever an email or phone call away for all their interns. I personally receive a travel contribution from Leonard Cheshire. Barratt have set me up well to work to the best of my ability providing reasonable adjustments and have a dedicated HR coordinator whom is sympathetic and supportive.

  1. Overall would you recommend the scheme to others?

It has been an amazing experience which has given me confidence in entering the working world. With it being a paid internship it allows interns to learn valuable budgeting skills and what to expect as an independent adult. This scheme has taught me useful habits to use when applying for jobs and approaching working and life situations.    

Pippa Smith, Finance Manager, North Thames, told us:
“We’ve found the whole experience to be very positive, Luke has settled in well and is working hard.  He has embraced the work and has proved himself to be very diligent”