Scheme overview
University of the Built Environment 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 third iteration of the scheme and will be open for applications until 14 August 2025.
Opportunities available as Board Apprentices
- Gain insight of strategic, compliance and governance matters
- Contribute to delivering University of the Built Environment’s vision ‘To be the Centre of Excellence for Built Environment Education’
- Use your experience as a University of the Built Environment 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 the University, 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, potentially as a previous student of the University, and your knowledge of the sector to directly contribute to the future of the university by attending approximately eight 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 offices in Reading or occasionally in London. Sub-committees are held remotely.
A word of encouragement from our Chair of the Board, Peter McCrea OBE
“The University of the Built Environment Board Apprentice Scheme is a pioneering way for the institution to foster emerging talent and support our alumni as they build their careers and develop their skills. It provides insights into leadership, governance, and both higher education and built environment sector challenges and opportunities. As a Board we genuinely value and respect the perspectives our Apprentices have given us in the four years to date.
If you believe you can contribute to the development of the University as it strives to become the centre of excellence for built environment education, I urge you to seize this opportunity and apply. And I very much look forward to welcoming you onto our Board later this year.”
Eligibility
Who can apply?
This scheme is open to all University of the Built Environment (previously CEM and UCEM) alumni.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter to Lyndsay Hughes 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.
Please read this document for more information on the role.
The experience
What’s it like to be a board apprentice?
“To anyone considering applying to be a 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, the university itself and the built environment as a whole. Aside from invaluable Board experience, I have also made connections and friendships, and the two-year term has passed incredibly quickly as it has been so enjoyable!”
“I would highly recommend the Board Apprentice Scheme to any CEM, UCEM or University of the Built Environment 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 the University, 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.”
“My two years on the Board has flown by! It’s been great; I’ve made some really valuable connections during my time and learnt a huge amount. During my time as a Board Apprentice, I witnessed some really pivotal moments for the institution and to be part of that felt really momentous! It was great to have other opportunities too, like attending quarterly business reviews (QBR’s) where I learnt real detail about the University which would enable me to understand more in board meetings and ask more questions. As a board member we were able to attend graduations which is such a privilege; to see the difference the University makes to so many (and their families) is really special. If you are looking to gain vital experience as a board member I’d really recommend this opportunity at University of the Built Environment.”
My time as a Board Apprentice has been such a rich and fulfilling experience. It’s given me a real insight into the inner workings of the University and opened my eyes to the many layers of leadership, strategy, and governance that sit behind the scenes. I particularly felt a strong connection to the University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and seeing how representation is thoughtfully considered across academic and structural levels has been inspiring.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing some major turning points for the institution, including course expansion plans and the University’s name change. It’s been an honour to play even a small part in those moments. Attending graduations and other celebratory events was another real highlight, seeing the impact of the University’s work up close, and celebrating the achievements of students and their families, was incredibly moving.
Being part of the Board has also opened my eyes to wider opportunities, and I hope to carry this valuable experience with me into future roles. I’ve grown so much in confidence, awareness, and understanding and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the journey.
