Munday and Cramer

Local schools provide exceptional new talent


Munday + Cramer, a South Woodham Ferrers Architectural and Surveying practice, continue to invest in the local community by creating exciting work and training opportunities for young people. Lee Hatwell, Munday + Cramer Director and Chartered Surveyor says: “As a company, we have been in South Woodham Ferrers for some 30 years. Recently the company has experienced a period of phenomenal growth and we are delighted to be in a position to nurture and encourage local talent. Our long-term recruitment strategy is to provide grass roots employees with a clear and achievable career progression ladder. In fact, two of our recently promoted Associate Directors originally started work with us as graduate surveyors. By fostering relationships with local schools in Essex, we are not only able to create job opportunities for local young people, we are also investing in our future profitability.”

The company currently employ three former students of local school William De Ferrers: Georgia Dear recently joined as a receptionist/office junior; Michael Smith is a building surveying apprentice, completing his degree course on day release at Anglia Ruskin University.  His ultimate aim is to qualify as a Chartered Surveyor. Similarly, Sam Guttridge is working as an Assistant Architectural Designer while completing his BA (Hons.) degree in Architecture – again on day release at London Metropolitan University.

Sam Guttridge joined M+C from local schools William De Ferrers, and is now embarking on a Degree in Architecture alongside his job  Georgia Dear has joined M+C from William De Ferrers bringing recent recruits to three from local schools in 2017

Not only are the degree students earning a salary and gaining valuable practical experience whilst they study, but their tuition fees are also covered by Munday + Cramer; meaning that they will commence their full-time careers without the worrying levels of student debt faced by so many of their contemporaries. In return, the company have gained an injection of fresh new talent and have strengthened their relationships in the local community.

Michael Smith joined M+C this summer from local schools William De Ferrers , and is the company's first Degree Apprentice, studying Building Surveying at Anglia Ruskin University

In addition to job creation, Munday + Cramer directors, Lee Hatwell and Phil Ruffle regularly give their time to local schools and colleges to speak and offer advice at Careers Days. William De Ferrers School as well as Boswells School and Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford have all benefited from their links with the practice. Karen Burrows, Careers Officer at William De Ferrers said “We are incredibly proud of our young people and are delighted that Michael, Sam and Georgia have secured positions with Munday + Cramer. Mr Ruffle regularly attends our careers convention and our students find his advice and information very valuable. We can’t thank the company enough for the support that they continue to show us.”