GRAHAM planner gains first-class degree and chartered status through apprenticeship

GRAHAM planner Mark Baker has graduated with first class honours from a BSc (Hons) Construction Management Degree Apprenticeship at London South Bank University and gained chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the contractor said.

Baker joined GRAHAM as a mature student in September 2018, according to the company. He has since moved from trainee planner to assistant planner and then planner within its England South region.

GRAHAM said he began with a BTEC and an HND at East Surrey College before progressing to the degree apprenticeship. He also achieved a distinction in his end point assessment, the company said.

Ray Ferguson, regional planning director at GRAHAM, said: "Attracting and retaining planning talent is a key priority for our business, particularly across London and the South East."

The projects

GRAHAM said Baker's work as a planner has included Kew Gardens, Whittington Hospital, Hillingdon Hospital and, most recently, Stratford Mill, a build-to-rent scheme of 247 apartments.

GRAHAM was appointed to build Stratford Mill by Greystar. According to the company's appointment announcement, the contract covers 247 apartments, 42 of them affordable homes funded by Sovereign Network Group, in buildings of two to 12 storeys on a brownfield site in Stratford, east London.

The company has announced the topping out of the scheme. It said the development will deliver 247 homes, including 205 rental units operated by Greystar under its European rental brand Momento, and sits in Stratford's Pudding Mill area as part of the wider regeneration of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

In its appointment announcement, GRAHAM said completion was expected in autumn 2026. Its topping-out announcement said the scheme expects to welcome its first residents near the end of 2026.

Chartered membership

The CIOB says chartered membership demonstrates skills, expertise and commitment to the highest professional standards, is comparable to a bachelor's degree and is internationally recognised. Holders may describe themselves as a Chartered Construction Manager or Chartered Builder.

Ferguson said: "Mark's achievement is a brilliant example of how apprenticeships can help people build successful, long-term careers in planning while developing the skills our industry needs."

The GRAHAM Academy

GRAHAM said it is recruiting through the GRAHAM Academy, including roles in its London and England South region. The academy includes a graduate development programme, apprenticeships, work experience and industrial and undergraduate placements, according to the company, and its apprenticeships page says there is an entry stream to suit every background.

In March 2024 GRAHAM said its Building North division had almost doubled its headcount of new apprentices in a year, by 18 to 38, in roles including trainee engineers, quantity surveyors and civil engineers.

Stratford Mill, the most recent scheme on Baker's planning record, is due to receive its first residents near the end of 2026, GRAHAM said.