The scheme, called Network75, is a combined work placement and part-time study route to a degree, allowing students to graduate with five years of work experience and no student debt. Since the scheme was established in 2000, it has had a 100 per cent employability record for its graduates.
Students can work, earn and learn by gaining hands-on, practical experience alongside studying for their degrees and attending university two days a week.
Josh Flynn, 22, started on the scheme in January 2022 whilst studying for a degree on the RICS accredited BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management course.
Josh, from Merthyr Tydfil, said: “Whilst on Network75, I enjoyed having the opportunity to get out in the industry and apply what I had learnt in university. The work and study balance was great and exactly what I needed to improve my skills.
“The opportunity to experience workplace scenarios firsthand provided me with invaluable experiences and helped me to put what I had learnt in the classroom into practice.”
Josh has now been directly hired by Lovell, marking an end to his time on Network75, and works on the Elderwood Parc development on Crick Road, Portskewett part-time. The development will consist of 269 new homes and a 32-bedroom care home, and is being built by Lovell for Melin Homes, Candleston and Monmouthshire County Council.
Josh continued: “Every day is different and provides me with fresh challenges and tasks, which I am grateful for. I love that this role gives me the opportunity to meet new people and build relationships.
“It has been great working with the Lovell team due to the amount of support they provide to students. My colleagues have been extremely welcoming and supportive in everything I do and are always happy to help with both work and university-related queries.
“My plan is to graduate with a first-class degree whilst developing my skills and progressing to become a fully qualified surveyor.”
Anthony Vagges, regional commercial manager at Lovell, said: “Josh was a great asset to the team whilst on the Network75 scheme, so we were delighted to officially bring him on as a Lovell employee.
“Josh works exceptionally hard, both on-site and with his studies, and brings a fresh perspective to the team. We can’t wait to see him continue to evolve and are all on hand to provide our support.
“At Lovell, we always strive to invest in local talent and provide young people with job opportunities in the sector. Our mission is to inspire a love for construction and to pave the way for future industry leaders. We also value the importance of having a team of diverse and talented individuals, and participating with schemes like Network75 is the perfect way to achieve these goals.”
Network75 said: “The Network75 team were thrilled that Lovell was able to offer Josh employment in his penultimate year of the scheme. This is testament to Josh's work ethic and drive to succeed, as well as Lovell's commitment to grow their own talent in South Wales through their partnership with Network75.”
To find out more about Network75, visit https://network75.southwales.ac.uk/.
Lovell is a leading provider of partnership housing and has been building communities for over 50 years. For more information, visit https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/.
For more information on Elderwood Parc, visit https://candlestonhomes.co.uk/elderwood-parc/.
