We report on how one consultant is overcoming the dearth of professional graduates
Katrin Pugh is all too familiar with the crisis in the construction industry's education system. As the head of human resources for multidisciplinary consultant EC Harris, she says she is very aware of the declining numbers of RICS graduates and the fact that fewer and fewer students are going on to these courses. It does pose a problem for firms but EC Harris has a policy that pre-empts the milk round by recruiting straight from universities.

Because there are so few graduates, Pugh says firms need to get in there quick to get the best recruits. She explains that EC Harris has a reputation for providing good training schemes, so the few graduates that are out there are attracted to the company. What's more, the firm works on a wide range of projects, many of which are high profile. And the company is careful to ensure university career departments are aware of the opportunities for career development within the firm.

It’s not just about academic qualifications; the extra-curricular interests are also important. People should show an interest in life