For National Apprenticeship Week, we asked five of our apprentices about their experiences so far. From property management to surveying to accounts, they’re building real careers while earning and learning on the job.

Here’s what they told us:

“I chose an apprenticeship because I didn’t feel that going to university was the right route for me. I wanted to gain real, on-the-job experience while learning at the same time.

The most valuable part of my apprenticeship has definitely been my team. The Welcome team has given me the opportunity to work in high-end commercial buildings across London and be involved in managing them day to day. Being trusted with responsibility and working closely with experienced people at a young age has been a great experience and has helped me learn quickly.

My biggest piece of advice would be to do some research into the different areas of property management before starting. There are so many types of commercial property – like retail, industrial, offices, multi-let and residential – and understanding the differences early on really helps you figure out what you might enjoy most.”

“I chose an apprenticeship as my route into the property industry as I knew that would be the quickest way to gain hands on, real life experience in the property world while still working towards my degree at the same time.

I really enjoy completing site inspections, getting out the office and meeting with tenants, asset managers and onsite staff – it provides variety in my working week ensuring no week is the same.

My advice to someone considering an apprenticeship with Workman would to 100% go for it. My experience has been nothing but positive so far with the company. Workman is a very people focused business who put time and effort into their colleagues especially those in the beginning of their professional life.”

“I chose an accounts apprenticeship as I wanted to gain experience whilst learning and allows me to gain a qualification that I can continue to use in the future.

I have enjoyed moving through each accounts department and getting a understanding of how they all link together and working with different people.

My advice would be to go for it. It is a good way to gain practical experience as well as receiving you qualification and will help you to have an understanding of what goes into an accounts department.”

“I chose the apprenticeship route as you get paid while learning on the job and build up over four years of experience before your APC, which gives you a real head start.

The most valuable aspect of the apprenticeship is learning on the job, getting out on site visits and enjoying the social side of the industry.

My advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship is to go for it – you’re surrounded by knowledgeable people, who are happy to help. Also, look into the uni course first to make sure it’s something you’re interested in.”

“I chose an apprenticeship as my route into the property industry because I’ve always had a connection to the property world – it started with a genuine interest in houses, and some family friends I really looked up to introduced me to the world of surveying. The rest is history! I started out in 2023 at a private financing lender firm, working on private luxury residential properties, and that eventually led me to the commercial side, assisting with the management of Manchester Airport. I chose the apprenticeship route specifically for the challenge – to push myself further than the typical three-year university route. And if I could change anything? I wouldn’t.

What I enjoy most and find most valuable about my apprenticeship so far is the people. The diverse range of people I get to meet, work with, and speak to every single day. The balance between office and site experience has given me a foundation of skills I don’t think I could have gained anywhere else – not only building my confidence but expanding my knowledge of the property and surveying industry more every day.

My advice to someone considering an apprenticeship at Workman would be simple – just do it. The experience is unmatched, and the people are so helpful, friendly, and welcoming. An apprenticeship is a real gateway into the property and surveying world, opening doors to the future with both an academic and workplace experience head start.”

“I chose an apprenticeship as a route into the property industry as it seemed like the correct route when looking at my learning style. If I see something in action, it will stick in my mind longer, rather than just being told something and expected to understand. The idea of being able to put into practice what I learn in real time was a big incentive.

So far, I’m enjoying the variety of the apprenticeship. I love the different aspects to my job and getting to study along side this is an excellent way to learn.

My advice for someone considering an apprenticeship at Workman is to throw yourself in the deep end and try to get involved in as much as you can. The more experience you get, the quicker you’ll learn, and the more you’ll get to take on yourself.”