Six students who have completed their placement year with leading construction firm Beard have been offered permanent jobs upon the successful completion of their studies.

The students undertook a year of on-the-job training across Beard’s offices in Bristol, Swindon, Guildford and Southampton and impressed their colleagues with their hard work, knowledge and attitude.

Returning to Beard full-time from July 2026 will be:

• Mitch Burton: studying Quantity Surveying, Oxford Brookes University – Southampton office.
• Finlay Eaton: studying Construction Project Management, University of West of England –  Swindon office.
• Izzy Scanlan: studying Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, Oxford Brookes University – Guildford office.
• Jack Thomas: studying Construction Project Management, Oxford Brookes University –  Guildford office.
• Jacob Thornton: studying Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, University of West of England – Bristol office.
• Amber Kamugisha: studying Architecture, University of Exeter – Swindon office.

The year in industry programme is part of Beard’s long-standing commitment to nurturing talent in the construction sector. Inspiring and developing rewarding careers is a core part of the fourth-generation family-owned business’ ethos.

Beard looked to enhance students’ experiences beyond the formal training through a series of initiatives, including a ‘foundations and futures’ event bringing trainees of all levels together for a day of team building and skills development; and ‘rise and connect’ where students heard about colleagues’ employment journeys and were given a charity fundraising challenge.

Neil Sherreard, deputy chairman at Beard, said: “Supporting the next generation of professionals in laying the foundations for a successful construction career is a cornerstone of what we do at Beard, to grow talent, support our business ambitions, and play our part in addressing the rising demand for talent in the industry.

“We hope to not only support them in learning the practical skills to do their jobs, but also to experience the Beard way of doing things, help them to build a network of peers, and engage with colleagues at all levels of the business.

“We’re always impressed by the level of skill, professionalism and enthusiasm of our placement year students and this cohort has been no different. Many congratulations to them all and we look forward to welcoming them back through our doors on completion of their studies.”

The 2024/25 cohort included a Masters student for the first time. Amber Kamugisha, who is studying Architecture at University of Exeter, will join Beard’s design team in Swindon after completing her degree.

Amber said: “As an architecture student, I hadn’t considered a role in the main contractor stage of construction, but the opportunity I had to explore this pathway has significantly broadened my horizons. With the support of so many brilliant colleagues, I learnt so much whilst enjoying the experience with Beard.

“Beard has been a great place to celebrate the construction of great buildings, grow professionally, and be a part of welcoming team. I am grateful for being offered a position in design management at Beard and I’m looking forward to returning after completing my degree.”

To learn more about career opportunities at Beard, visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk/careers/.

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