SCHEME OVERVIEW

BUILT FOR DEVELOPMENT

UCEM is delighted to re-launch its Board Apprentice Scheme for recruitment. This scheme gives up to two alumni the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees for a two-year term each year. First launched back in 2021, this will be the second iteration of the scheme and will be open for applications until 30 June 2023.

Opportunities available as Board Apprentices:

  • Gain insight of strategic, compliance and governance matters
  • Contribute to delivering UCEM’s vision ‘To be the Centre of Excellence for Built Environment Education’
  • Use your experience as a UCEM alumni to inform the board
  • Build your network within the built environment and higher education sectors
  • Receive mentoring from an experienced board member

RESPONSIBILITIES

What you’ll get involved in

The board is responsible for the overall governance, monitoring and strategic direction of UCEM, working together with the Executive Team to ensure that the charity achieves the objectives defined in our Royal Charter and that we operate in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including the Office for Students (OFS), the Charity Commission and Ofsted. In addition to this, the board contributes to ensuring that our institution meets the expectations of the Higher Education Code of Governance.

You will bring your experience as a previous student and your knowledge of the sector to directly contribute to the future of UCEM by attending 4-8 board meetings throughout your time as a Board Apprentice. You will also have the opportunity to observe the sub-committees at work. Board meetings are held in person at our UCEM office in Reading or in London. Sub-committees are held remotely.

ELIGIBILITY

WHO CAN APPLY?

This scheme is open to all UCEM alumni, although we particularly welcome applications from BAME, LGBTQ+, disabled, lower socio-economic and care leaver candidates.

INTERESTED?

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you’d like to apply for this scheme, what you would bring to the role and how you think it would help you develop to Lyndsay Hughes

THE EXPERIENCE

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE A BOARD APPRENTICE?

Rebekah Powley and Laura Bell McMillan, outgoing Board Apprentices

“To anyone considering applying to be a UCEM Board Apprentice, I couldn’t recommend it more. It has been an incredibly valuable and rewarding two years, and I have learned so much from working alongside a group of passionate and kind individuals who are committed to the success of all students, UCEM and the built environment as a whole. Aside from invaluable Board experience, I have also made connections and friendships, and the two-yar term has passed incredibly quickly as it has been so enjoyable!”

Rebekah Powley

“I would highly recommend the Board Apprentice Scheme to any UCEM alumni interested in the higher education sector and gaining experience as to how large organisations operate at the highest level. It has been incredibly beneficial for me, and quite frankly an honour, to sit alongside such experienced and knowledgeable industry and higher education professionals, and to have the opportunity to listen and contribute to discussions which are truly shaping the future of UCEM, and on a wider scale, the built environment. To see innovative ideas progress from inception to implementation, and knowing I have been involved in that process, even as a very small cog, is incredibly rewarding. In addition, through the various sub-committee meetings I have been involved with, I have gained insight into aspects of the university as a business such as governance, finance and auditing which I have found valuable as I gradually take on a larger role in my family property company.”

Laura Bell McMillan

I am proud that UCEM developed its Board Apprentice Scheme over the last two years with the appointment of Becky and Laura to our board. They have brought such a valuable new perspective to our deliberations as a Board and I’m delighted they feel so strongly that the scheme is helping them fulfil their own career aspirations. We are sorry to be losing them as they reach the end of their terms but are delighted we can continue to offer other recent alumni this incredible opportunity."

Amanda Clack
Chair of the UCEM Board of Trustees

Watch the discussion between Amanda and Kate on Diversity in the built environment

I was delighted to partner with Laura as her mentor through this scheme. It was a privilege to introduce her to the way in which the board operates and offer support in how she can develop her career through this experience. I also benefited from her perspectives as a recent graduate of UCEM and was delighted to see her development throughout the two-years."

Andrew Hynard
Former Trustee