Bargate recruits three graduates to tackle skills shortage

Bargate has welcomed the graduates into roles across its design, development, and planning departments at its Hampshire head office, as part of its long-term commitment to address the shortage.

Felicity Jenkinson-Hutchison from Hedge End and Jenni Hardy from Salisbury have joined as design and development graduates, while Elise Hutton from Petersfield has been recruited as a graduate planner.

Felicity Jenkinson Hutchison, Jenni Hardy and Elise Hutton have joined Bargate. (Image: Bargate) Managing director at Bargate, Mark White, said: "The construction industry continues to face a skills shortage, while the government's target is to build 1.5 million new homes in England.

"There is much work to be done to encourage new talent to increase the workflow of these new homes.

"We are proud that our talented graduates are actively responding to the government’s call for new homes, working right across the pre-construction complexities of residential development."

Felicity, a University of Portsmouth graduate in property development, is involved in the upcoming Southleigh Park site.

She brings experience from a previous role at a national housebuilder.

Felicity said: "I've already learnt so much - the role here has opened my eyes to the full complexity of pre-construction.

"It’s exciting to be growing alongside Bargate as the business itself evolves."

Jenni, an interior architecture and design graduate from the University for Creative Arts, is involved in various projects, including new developments in Pagham, Warsash, and North Stoneham Park.

Jenni said: "This has been a steep and exciting learning curve - everything is new, and I’m gaining hands-on experience from day one."

Elise, a University of Liverpool geography graduate, joined Bargate in March and is now working closely with the land and planning team.

Elise said: "Planning was a leap into the unknown for me, but I’ve found an incredibly supportive team and a role that’s both challenging and rewarding."

Bargate, a wholly owned subsidiary of VIVID, Hampshire's largest provider of affordable homes, is currently constructing 300 homes across six live developments.

The company has more than 2,500 new homes in planning.

Its latest graduate intake is part of a broader ambition to deliver not only homes but long-term opportunity across the region.