Unlocking the value of Section 106 contributions
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A recent report by the Home Builders Federation estimates that local authorities currently hold over £6bn of unspent Section 106 developer contributions.
Our graduates reflect on their first rotation at Brookbanks
Brookbanks Graduate Rotation Programme!
Our 2024 graduates have recently completed their first rotations and shared their insights on the experience so far. We’re also pleased to welcome Connah Mansfield and Fredrik Horton to the rotational graduate scheme. They’ve shared their initial thoughts after their first few weeks with us.
Looking forward to seeing what this talented group achieves as they progress through the programme.
Fredrik Horton
My first month at Brookbanks has been an engaging and hands-on experience. Starting in the Civil Engineering group, I’ve had the opportunity to dive into key aspects of the business, gaining exposure to a wide range of processes and skills needed to approach various projects. From site assessments to design reviews, the learning curve has been steep but incredibly rewarding. The team has been incredibly welcoming, making it easy for me to ask for help and feel part of the group from day one, which has boosted my confidence.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to take on more technical project work, collaborate with other teams, and further develop my skills. I’m also eager to deepen my understanding of how our work fits into the broader company goals, while expanding my responsibilities and becoming a more integral part of the projects I work on.
Connah Mansfield
As I start my first rotation at Brookbanks, I look forward to gaining experience within the Development Management team, learning new skills, and getting an overview of how the company works. Fran Taylor and Tori Hall have set out my plan for the next three months and the responsibilities I will gradually take on.
I am excited to implement my knowledge in real-world scenarios. With a variety of projects, I am eager to work with different experts to learn a range of skills.
The Brookbanks team has been very welcoming and helpful in settling me into the company as I start my journey through the departments.
Hannah Simpson
As part of the Graduate Scheme, my first rotation was in the Highways Environment and Transition (HET) team, and it has been an incredibly rewarding and engaging experience. Throughout this time, I’ve had the opportunity to develop my skills across a wide range of areas, from hydrology and drainage to utilities and transport, while also delving into more specialized topics like delivering nutrient neutrality.
The diversity of the work HET carries out has kept each day exciting, and with consistent support from the team, the learning experience has been both insightful and enjoyable. From the very start, I was able to dive into meaningful project work, contributing to initiatives that have had a real impact. This hands-on approach has allowed me to build a solid foundation in understanding key environmental principles and considerations, which I’m confident will be invaluable as I progress through the rest of my rotations.
As I move into my next rotation with the Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Engineering Team, I’m excited to continue building on the knowledge and skills I’ve gained so far, while also looking forward to exploring new aspects of the business that I haven’t yet experienced.
Elias Hannibal
My first rotation in Development at Brookbanks has been an enriching and enjoyable experience. I gained a deep understanding of the development team’s role and learned various processes involved in coordinating and delivering large-scale projects. The team provided an excellent environment for learning, and I appreciated the opportunity to participate in project meetings, which offered valuable insights into managing major developments. I also enjoyed exploring the business development side, identifying potential sites for future partnerships.
Throughout this rotation, I developed a well-rounded understanding of project coordination, from navigating the planning process to assisting in on-site delivery, as well as working on technical approvals and creating project programmes.
I’m excited to begin my next rotation in civil engineering, where I look forward to gaining a more technical perspective on project components. The challenge of learning new software and systems is something I am eager to embrace, as I continue to broaden my skills and contribute to Brookbanks’ projects.
Isabelle Latuszka
I have had a rewarding time in the Civil engineering team as my first rotation. This experience has allowed me to work on diverse projects, enhancing my technical skills and deepening my understanding of the engineering process. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues in the civil engineering team. Their willingness to share their expertise made a significant difference in my learning experience. They took the time to explain complex concepts, provided constructive feedback, and encouraged me to take on new challenges. Their mentorship helped me build confidence and gain a deeper appreciation and enjoyment for the field. Coming from a geography background, this rotation pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenging me to apply my knowledge in new ways and I am particularly proud of the contributions I have made to various project and the team.
I look forward to my next rotation in the Cost and Commercial team. Understanding the financial considerations will be valuable as I continue my journey with Brookbanks. I am eager to expand my knowledge of the business and contribute to our projects from a different perspective.
Engy Hassan Sherif
My first rotation was in the cost and commercial department, and it was an incredibly enlightening experience. It really helped me understand how projects work and the foundational elements that drive them. I gained a comprehensive understanding of cost management, budgeting, and financial planning, which are crucial for the successful execution of any project.
One of the highlights was the opportunity to visit various project sites. These visits allowed me to see firsthand how theoretical concepts are applied in real-world scenarios. I observed the intricacies of project execution and the importance of effective communication and collaboration between our department and clients/contractors.
Overall, this rotation provided me with a solid foundation in cost and commercial management, and I feel more confident in my ability to contribute to future projects. It was a valuable learning experience that has set the stage for my continued growth in this field.
Edward Grinsted
During my first rotation in the Civil Engineering department at Brookbanks, I had an incredibly enriching and transformative experience. Coming from a background in sciences, civil engineering was a completely new field for me, which initially presented a steep learning curve. However, I found this challenge both stimulating and rewarding. The work content was consistently engaging, and I was fortunate to be surrounded by supportive and knowledgeable colleagues who made the learning process enjoyable and insightful. This placement not only broadened my technical skills but also significantly enhanced my problem-solving abilities in a practical context. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects and to learn from such a talented team.
As I transition into the Highways, Environment, and Transition (HET) team, I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve developed during my time in the Civil Engineering department. I look forward to embracing new learning opportunities and contributing to projects that intersect with environmental considerations, an area closely aligned with my academic background and passions. The prospect of working on diverse and impactful projects within the HET team excites me, and I am enthusiastic about the professional growth and development this next rotation promises.
We can’t wait to watch these amazing people join their new teams and continue this professional and personal journey at Brookbanks.
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