Matthew Foulis, Graduate Trainee, 2006 Programme Intake

BA Hons. Geography and Cities, Durham University

“The English Partnerships Graduate Development Programme is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career in regeneration.

As a Geography Graduate I had touched on some of the themes of regeneration but had no technical knowledge of the work that was involved. Working in various teams and locations has given me the opportunity to engage in many real projects. I have been surprised at the knowledge and skills I have developed in the last 12 months.

Every day will throw up new challenges and you will learn to manage a variety of projects and relationships with partners. For example, in my placement at English Partnerships’ Warrington office on any given day I would be handling many different situations in a variety of locations.

In the morning I could have been attending a meeting on site at the derelict Grade II* listed ABC cinema in Liverpool, which English Partnerships is working to bring back into effective economic use. This could involve, for example, meeting contractors or Conservation Officers from Liverpool City Council to discuss progress on repair works.

After that I may be back at the office writing approval papers to select preferred developers for various schemes. Or, I could be heading off to meet with Local Authority Planners and planning consultants to discuss the development potential of English Partnerships’ sites.

In the afternoon I could attend a community consultation event at Castlefields in Runcorn or a meeting on the Compulsory Purchase Order at Edge Lane, Liverpool. The scope of work involved in regeneration will ensure that every day offers up new challenges and opportunities to learn and develop.

Overall the Graduate Programme offers you an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge of the regeneration sector and get hands on experience of delivering projects. It is a challenging scheme which will test your abilities and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.

Working on live projects has allowed me to develop a greater understanding of the development process, how to engage in the planning system and the skills required in working with partners and managing consultants.”

 

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