It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2024, and what better time to celebrate our apprentices who are learning their Skills for Life?
We are proud of our record here at SWG Group of always having a group of apprentices working their way towards a variety of qualifications - many of whom end up as valued members of staff.
Let’s see how our current apprentices are getting on…
Michael Peters (Apprentice Quantity Surveyor) - BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship
Why did you decide to do an Apprenticeship?
I was given an opportunity by SWG to complete the remainder of the course as an apprentice, after completing two years as a full-time student. This allowed me to work four days a week alongside my university course, gaining on-site experience and working as a QS on multiple projects.
What skills are you learning?
I am learning the core competencies and knowledge, skills and behaviours of a QS, including cost planning, valuations and information management. My industry experience enables me to put the skills I learn at university into action, which in turn helps me develop a greater understanding of the course content.
How will they help in your work?
Working in the industry allows me to put my skills into practice, and further understand the theory taught at university. University has provided me with a foundation of knowledge that I have been able to develop through my day-to-day tasks at work.
How will they help in your life outside of work?
In the future, I aim to use my skills in costing and procurement to complete my own small housing projects (new build and refurb) alongside my career. As I’ve gained more experience, I feel I can contribute more to the company which in turn boosts my overall confidence.
What's your ambition for the future?
Following graduation in Summer 2024, I’m hoping to continue my career with SWG, gaining as much experience as possible on a variety of projects with a range of complexity. I am aiming to reach a level of competency where I can run multiple projects effectively at one time and have a high degree of building knowledge to assist this.
Chloe Evans (Accounts Assistant) - Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 4
Why did you decide to do an Apprenticeship?
I think that an apprenticeship gives you the best of both worlds by gaining qualifications and experience while working.
What skills are you learning?
I have developed accountancy skills and practical skills that I can use every day at work. I have also developed confidence in my skills and at work.
How will they help in your work?
I have been able to put into practice at work the theory I have learned at college, which will help with all different aspects of accounting in work. By completing my apprenticeship, I have developed on-the-job skills that have allowed me to improve.
How will they help in your life outside of work?
I have developed new skills which I can use in everyday life even outside of work.
What's your ambition for the future?
To go on to complete CIMA and become a chartered accountant.
Daniel Dyke (Apprentice Quantity Surveyor) - BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying (Non-Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
Why did you decide to do an Apprenticeship?
I have always wanted to work in the construction industry but wasn’t too sure on which role I would like to do. In sixth form I decided to reach out to a few local construction companies to see if I could gain some experience in different roles within the construction sector. I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to work at SWG upon completing my A Levels, which was perfect for me as I wanted to go into further education, but still wanted to get straight to working and earning money. (Not having to pay for the university course was also a massive bonus!)
What skills are you learning?
As an apprentice QS at SWG, I am learning a variety of skills which are not just limited to the Quantity Surveying profession, this includes having the confidence and relevant behaviours to help build valuable relationships with both clients and subcontractors. Additionally, I am learning how to display good information management, including being able to put into practice the relevant methods and techniques to provide information and data. Health and safety skills are another asset to me which is provided by my apprenticeship.
How will they help in your work?
Being an apprentice, I am able to utilise the skills and knowledge that I have learnt at university whilst carrying out my day-to-day duties as a QS. The knowledge I have gained enables me to put into practice the procedures to efficiently and effectively carry out my job.
How will they help in your life outside of work?
My understanding of construction practices and technology will continue to be beneficial in my life outside of work - the experience I have gained gives me the knowledge and confidence to discuss construction practices outside of the workplace.
What's your ambition for the future?
My ambitions include and are not limited to… working as a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor who is able to provide a professional service which helps see SWG cross the line on numerous construction projects. Even though I am involved in a few projects at the moment, it would be good to gain more valuable experience in even more projects across the different sectors.