APPRENTICES – THE FUTURE OF OUR INDUSTRY
WHAT UNIVERSITY COURSE ARE YOU UNDERTAKING WHILST WORKING WITH SWG?
Dan: “I am just finishing off my first academic year at the University of Wolverhampton where I am taking a BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying – Degree Apprenticeship Course.”
Tom: “I’m taking a BSc Hons Quantity Surveying.”
Ryan: “I’ve been at the University of Wolverhampton for two years and am taking HNC Built Environment.”
WHAT EXPERIENCE ARE YOU GAINING WITH SWG?
Tom: “I have worked on a wide variety of projects since starting at SWG, including flat refurbishments, planned maintenance and extensions. It helps build up my knowledge within the industry which has given me a better insight into how to deal with clients from various organisations.”
Ryan: “I agree. Working while training gives invaluable practical experience which can only stand us in good stead for the future. In my case I have learned a lot about groundworks, which I am able to put to good use.”
Dan: “As an apprentice employee for SWG I am gaining valuable experience both academically, by going to my day release lectures at the University of Wolverhampton, and by doing my day-to-day jobs as a trainee QS. I am currently the QS for one of SWG’S construction sites, which is a bungalow extension.”
WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO DO WHEN YOU FINISH YOUR COURSE?
Ryan: “The aim is to focus my career on site engineering.”
Dan: “Once I have completed my course, I would like to continue working for SWG, gaining more and more experience.”
Tom: “My plan is to continue as a quantity surveyor, work towards becoming a senior in the profession and gain an RICS accreditation.”
HOW MUCH HELP HAS THIS OPPORTUNITY GIVEN YOU
Dan: “This has been a really good opportunity for me because I am able to earn whilst I learn. Another bonus of doing what I do is that I don’t have any university fees. I am also able to utilise the things I learn in university and bring them into my everyday working life, meaning that I am gaining more knowledge to do my job to a better standard and vice versa.”
Ryan: “Being given the opportunity of an apprenticeship has been a big help in furthering my ambitions towards my chosen career.”
Tom: “Working alongside my studies has enabled me to gain real-world experience and obtain a better background knowledge and understanding of the job. It has also enabled me to live and work in the local area and not move away.”