In 2020 the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors (WCCS) launched the WCCS/Pathways to Property bursary programme aiming to increase diversity and inclusion within the industry by enabling students from less advantaged backgrounds to pursue a career in the built environment.
The programme provides students studying a RICS accredited Degree at any UK University £10,000 pa for three years to meet living expenses, an industry sponsor providing mentoring and work experience. In addition, practical, welfare and career support is provided by WCCS own programme manager.
Bridges Impact Foundation, one of our very first sponsors have confirmed their sponsorship of a further student once their current student graduates this year.
Clwyd Roberts, Chair of Education at WCCS said “We are delighted that Bridges Impact Foundation, having been alongside us since the beginning are able to endorse the programme by continuing their sponsorship over the next three years”.
Simon Ringer, Trustee of Bridges Impact Foundation and Head of Property at Bridges Fund Management, stated “with its wide range of disciplines and markets, the property industry has always provided a wealth of career opportunities – but these opportunities have often been hidden from view. We are delighted to be able to offer further support from our Foundation to enable a more diverse range of individuals to have the chance to participate in our industry”.
The programme, which has raised in excess of £900,000 has supported 31 students, three of whom have graduated at 11 Universities throughout the UK with a further ten students anticipated to join in the 2024/25 academic year.