Apprentice Building Surveyor Review

On a day to day basis I my role primarily comprises observing qualified surveyors and assisting with a variety of tasks including: · data collection, organisation and analysis; · reviewing leases; · site visits and inspections; · meetings; · drafting of planning applications; · producing floor plans and proposed works drawings on AutoCAD; · corresponding with consultants; · design and specification and collecting quotations; and · whatever else my team might require.

I have learnt pretty much everything I know about surveying, measurement, defect analysis and all other surveying specific skills from my apprenticeship as it was my first experience of the industry. However, my apprenticeship has also given me the opportunity to develop my organisation, data management, IT and problem solving skills through regular use on a daily basis.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. I get along really well with everyone in my team and in the wider company, there is so much opportunity for growth, progression and development integrated into the course naturally and I just generally have fun in my job. There are obviously harder and/or more boring days than others like in any job but I wake up everyday ready and happy to go into work.

Fairly well structured. It is a new/trail-blazer programme so there are learning curves and bugs along the way but they're all managed really well and very promptly and I never feel like there is a breakdown of the system or like it's not working. The graduate/apprenticeship team manage it all from one central point so it's easy to know where your information is coming from and where to go if you need a question answered.

As much as I need at any given time. I receive support financially in the form of an annual travel loan that allows me to buy an annual season ticket for my train. I receive academic support through the training and development team and my colleagues when completing assignments, there is always an internal expert ready and willing to help. I also know that when I need it I have the emotional support of my immediate team and the graduate team who regularly check in regarding my welfare. In difficult times for me personally I know my directors are always happy to be flexible and accommodating to ensure I'm okay and can do what I need to.

As mentioned previously, I receive academic support through the training and development team and my colleagues when completing assignments, there is always an internal expert ready and willing to help. My team members are also always happy to look over assignments and try to tailor my day-to-day work to my modules so that I can get the most out of having both theoretical and practical instruction.

It gives me a solid basis of theoretical knowledge to expand on in the work place. It's often hard to visualise many things regarding construction so the practical experience of being able to actually see it I feel is crucial to the pathway but my course fills in the basics that you may not come across daily but need to know.

As an industry, property is very, very social. There are social events for offices, departments, specific levels of the profession and then some. Much of the extr-curricular activities I get involved with are those aimed at young professionals and their peers in industry as they resonate really well with the apprenticeship. I attend evening networking events with drinks, breakfast networking with training included, quiz nights, dinners and too many to even name really. There is also plenty of sporting opportunities and teams (though being non-athletic I don't really partake) and charity/fundraising opportunities which I like to lend a hand with whenever I can.

Yes

I really don't think you can ask for any more from an apprenticeship scheme. It's supportive, with a great potential for progression and development and allows you to become financially independent very early on in your career. More than that, I have yet to find anyone in the company I don't get on with.

If applications aren't open yet, try to get a work experience placement with your nearest office It'll give you a better picture of the role and the culture and it will get your foot in the door if you make a good impression (but that works both ways too). I would also advise showcasing your own individual interests and talents because, even if they don't seem especially relevant, they will eventually be useful and give you an advantage in the future and they also give Savills a better idea of who you are as a person.