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.
The scheme enables students to gain hands-on, practical experience alongside studying for their degree and attending university two days a week.
Currently, eight Network75 students are placed with Lovell in various trainee roles, including four who joined in September 2023.
Four of the students on placement with Lovell are Jack Darby and Kyle Bissex, both aged 18, Joseph Page and Chloe Mahoney, both 20. All are studying the RICS accredited BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management degree course at the Pontypridd Campus.
Jack and Kyle both work as Management Trainees, having started on the Network75 scheme last September. Jack is based at Locke Gardens in Newport, a development of 500 new homes on the wider Glan Llyn site, and Kyle is based at Royal Victoria Court in Newport, a development consisting of 528 properties.
Jack, from Caerphilly, said: “I am really enjoying the ability to gain valuable work experience, whilst also learning and bettering myself in further education. Network75 is a perfect blend of work and education, which is giving me endless opportunities.
“I enjoy the fact that I’m constantly learning in my role and overcoming the challenges that come with learning new things. Lovell is a great host company and everyone who works here is making me feel very welcome.”
Kyle, from Torfaen, added: “The thing I like most about the Network75 scheme is that I get a mix of university and work experience, allowing me to gain a degree while working.
“I’m in the Technical department at Lovell, so I am involved with the planning and construction side of the business and often spend full days on site. Every day can bring something new or different, I’m not always working in the same place which I really enjoy.
“Being a Lovell Network75 trainee is such a great experience, everyone is so welcoming and always open to answering any questions I have.”
Working as Trainee Quantity Surveyors, Joseph and Chloe, who are both in their second year on the scheme, are also enjoying their time at Lovell. Joseph is undertaking his work placement in Newport on the second phase of the “Ringland Regeneration” project, and Chloe is working on the former Lansdowne Hospital site in Canton, Cardiff.
Joseph, from Tonteg, said: “I am constantly learning new skills in my role and continuing to expand my knowledge of the construction industry. Every day is different and I’m most enjoying talking to all the different trades in the industry, from bricklayers to consultants.
“Lovell is a great company to work for, and I’m looking forward to continuing my placement here and progressing towards my goal of being a fully chartered Surveyor.”
Chloe, from Merthyr Tydfil, explained: “I’m enjoying my placement with Lovell, there are three of us in the same year so it’s nice to work with people in the same boat. I really like the working environment, learning how a company runs and learning on the job.
“The work culture at Lovell is great, everyone is always happy to help with anything, whether it’s work or university related.”
Network75 said: “We are proud to offer our students the opportunity to work, earn and learn with local companies such as Lovell. Network75 students gain invaluable hands-on experience throughout their five years on the scheme and Lovell is benefitting from growing and developing tailor made talent for their business. We hope to continue our partnership with Lovell and provide further placements for Network75 students in the future!”
James Duffett, regional managing director at Lovell, said: “We are delighted that all of the Network75 students are enjoying their time at Lovell and progressing so well in their roles.
“Network75 is a fantastic scheme helping students gain invaluable, on-site experience and knowledge that can’t be taught in a classroom. At Lovell, we are committed to investing in local talent, and are always thrilled to provide young people with job opportunities and pathways into the construction industry.
“We are exceptionally proud of how successful our participation in the scheme has been so far, and are looking forward to helping our trainees further develop their skillsets.”
To find out more about Network75, visit https://network75.southwales.ac.uk/.
