Hayfield's Graduates Accelerate Careers Through Bespoke Development Programme

Hayfield’s employee development and wellbeing programme offers graduates a valuable career path into the housebuilding sector.  The five-star, multi-award-winning housebuilder established the Graduate Development Programme in 2022, investing financial resources and dedicated on-the-job training to create a meaningful programme with recognised skills and experience at the end of the placement.  Hayfield currently has four graduates accelerating through the business, learning each aspect of an SME housebuilder before selecting their chosen career path. They are also encouraged and supported to study professional qualifications and NVQs.

The bespoke structure of the scheme is tailored to each graduate to develop their knowledge, skills and experience by spending significant time in each department from land, technical, commercial to production and sales and marketing.  Each departmental director acts as a mentor, sharing industry knowledge and invaluable years of experience.

Three of the four graduates are now in the second year of the programme.  Amelia, Assistant Quantity Surveyor, commented: “This graduate scheme has allowed me to experience multiple elements of the business, where I have learned to hone-in on my skills and decide on a construction career path. I feel very lucky to have been given such an amazing opportunity by Hayfield.”

Jake, Assistant Technical Manager, noted: “Since joining Hayfield in September 2022, I have had a wide range of experiences in both the Production and Technical departments. This invaluable experience has allowed me to not only gain confidence in the workplace, but skills that should help me throughout my whole career. 

“Hayfield has been very accommodating, allowing me to pursue training courses and further qualifications, providing guidance and support when needed. Working within a close team on a daily basis has allowed me to pick up and learn new responsibilities.”

Matt, Assistant Quantity Surveyor, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far with Hayfield and feel that I have been given great opportunities to learn, as well as contribute to Hayfield’s ongoing success. I’ve been afforded the opportunity to forge my own path through this graduate programme, starting on site, moving to commercial, and having some involvement with the Land team, a department which I am due to progress into. 

“Starting on site has provided me with invaluable experiences and learnings which I use day-to-day in the commercial team, and I am certain that a year’s experience in both Production and Commercial will stand me in good stead when I join the Land team. 

“I am currently undertaking my APC on the RICS Project Management pathway and the requirement to deal with multiple departments daily and take responsibility for an array of tasks is hugely beneficial to my structure training. Alongside the structured training aspect of the APC, Hayfield have placed me on CITB courses which is aiding the CPD component of my APC – allowing me to further develop essential skills in leadership, negotiation, commercial awareness and much more. The full support of Hayfield has been essential to my undertaking of the MRICS journey.”

Joshua, Production Administrator, the latest recruit, commented: “My first 4 months with Hayfield has been an enjoyable yet challenging experience, with so much to take on board.  It’s great to have the support of a group of people who are eager to help you learn and develop.

“The unique flexibility of the Hayfield Graduate Programme means I can gain experience in departments that I feel I would be suited my skill sets, allowing me to make an informed decision on the trajectory of my career path without being rushed.

“One aspect of Hayfield which is particularly impressive is that the caring and supportive attitude, which comes from the top down, with all members of staff on all levels happy to offer you, their time.” 

Hayfield’s Human Resources Director, Sara Hope, commented: “One of my favourite parts of my job is watching our people grow, and I’m lucky to work in an organisation that values curiosity and continuous learning.

“It’s a real privilege to work with such a talented group of young professionals and I’m immensely proud of them all and their ongoing contributions to Hayfield. I can’t wait to see what they will achieve next!”

To find out more about Hayfield’s Graduate Development Programme, or to apply to be part of Hayfield’s next cohort of Graduate Trainees, contact Sara Hope, HR Director, at: shope@hayfieldhomes.co.uk