New Student Placements For 2021

Building on its annual programme of bursaries and scholarships, the Duchy of Lancaster is to offer two new 12-month student placements from September 2021.

The new placements are designed for students of either land and estate management or building surveying and project management courses whose study requires them to spend a ‘year out’ in the workplace.

Young people studying at Harper Adams University have been invited to apply for the inaugural estate management placement which will be linked to the Duchy bursaries awarded to second-year students each year. Those applying for the building surveying and project management placement will be able to do so via the Duchy of Lancaster website.

Applications will be reviewed by an expert panel and short-listed candidates will be invited to the Duchy’s administrative headquarters in London for a face-to-face interview with the senior team.

Commenting on the initiative, Duchy Head of Rural Christopher Sparrow said: “The Duchy already has strong links with a number of academic institutions and agricultural colleges across the estates and is keen to encourage students who are seeking to pursue a career in rural estate management or building surveying. These placements will provide first-hand experience of what it means to manage and maintain a large portfolio of land and property assets.”

Based at Lancaster Castle within the Duchy’s Northern team, the placements will also provide the successful applicants with the opportunity for further CPD to help him or her in their future careers.

Duchy Chief Executive Nathan Thompson added: “This initiative is designed to build on the academic bursaries already offered by the Duchy and provide an opportunity for young people to apply their learning in the workplace.  We will provide access to a wealth of expertise and experience as well as the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of all who live and work on our estates.  Our placement students need to demonstrate genuine passion, a determination to succeed and an absolute commitment to delivering the highest quality standards in all that he or she does.”

The Duchy of Lancaster invests over £30,000 each year in academic grants and bursaries for students of agriculture, agri-business and traditional construction skills as well as supporting hardship funds at a number of partner schools, colleges and institutions nationwide.