Earn, learn, and build a career: apprenticeships at Workman
Taylor, Harry, Thomas and Wesley all started at Workman as apprentices. Today, they’re chartered surveyors – and many of our partners started the same way. Read on to hear why they chose the apprenticeship route – and why they’d do it again.
“At first, I tried University, straight after Sixth Form, but I quickly realised that I wanted the structure of full-time work and the hands-on experience that an apprenticeship could provide me with. University provided the ‘fun’ student experience, but I felt that going straight into a professional role would equip me with the experience and relationships I’d need for a successful career in property.
Communication has been the skill that has helped me most. I started the apprenticeship as a quiet 19-year-old girl. Workman really helped me build my confidence through exposure to real clients and situations, which meant I had to come out of my shell and become a good communicator. People skills are a major aspect of surveying, and Workman really developed my confidence both within work but also the wider world.
On the journey to becoming MRICS, I had constant support from my peers, line manager, training co-ordinator, and UCEM tutor. I had quarterly meetings with my line manager and UCEM tutor, to ensure my studies were on track. I also had support from my wider team in my day-to-day role. I have never struggled for options of where to seek help, if needed.
I’d highly recommend it. Workman gives apprentices real responsibility, strong training support, and early exposure to clients, which makes the learning feel meaningful. It’s a great way to build a foundation in the property industry while working towards professional qualifications.”
Taylor Hunton Senior Surveyor
“The majority of my family in construction and I knew I wanted a practical route into the industry. I decided university wasn’t for me and the apprenticeship let me learn on the job and gain hands on experience straight away.
I was given responsibility early on within my career alongside experience in a commercial environment which allowed me to develop my confidence quickly.
The practical experience from day one gave me a strong foundation for my APC once it commenced and was key to providing the competence necessary for achieving MRICS.
It’s a tough process but incredibly rewarding. You gain real experience quickly, earn while you learn, and Workman provides the support you need to succeed.”
Harry Blakes Senior Building Surveyor
“I initially went to University, straight after finishing my A Levels which was of course the norm. However, after a short 6-month stint, I personally found that this may not necessarily be the right fit for me. It was only until a friend mentioned the possibility of Degree Apprenticeships, that I really delved into the mechanics and how they could benefit me and my career, especially in the property industry.
The Commercial Property industry is strongly suited to the ‘learning on the job’ approach, with the majority of key qualities involving the ability to build relationships, increase confidence and earning increased responsibilities all at a young age. Being one of the very first Apprentices at Workman, I believe the exposure and trust that was placed in me from the get-go, was an important aspect of defining my career moving forward.
The apprenticeship scheme allowed me to have a dedicated ‘study day’ to ensure that whilst earning and learning, I was also able to focus on obtaining my degree in Real Estate Management, which is a requirement to become a qualified Chartered Commercial Property Surveyor. Ultimately, the team and Workman themselves, played a large role in providing support and general guidance, whether that be my line manager, Partner in Charge or fellow colleagues/graduates.
Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular over the past few years, as I say, from being one of the very first Apprenticeships, I am now seeing many more year on year, forming part of the annual intake, so it is definitely a success for both Employer and Employee. You may feel daunted by the prospect of being the only one working, whilst all your friends are having the time of their lives at University (which was my position), but a degree, head start with key relationships and £0.00 worth of student debt – who’s the real winner.”
Tom Green Associate
“After my A Levels at 18, I wanted to start my career working in the built environment straight away, rather than moving away to university and studying. I knew though that achieving a degree was an essential step towards this and therefore a degree apprenticeship was the perfect route into the industry for me because I could work and study towards my degree at the same time.
Working in a team where everyone is contributing towards a shared goal has given me valuable skills which I now apply on every project I am involved in. Secondly, being given real responsibility early in my career taught me the importance of stepping up and taking ownership of my work and made me feel like I was an important member of the firm.
Getting lots of hands-on, practical experience at Workman, alongside studying towards my degree at the same time meant that I had years of real work experience before I had even graduated. This was invaluable and helped me enormously with my APC to become MRICS.
Do it, take the step and throw yourself into all of the experience and opportunities offered to you here at Workman. The clients, projects, and properties you will get exposure to are second to none.”
Wesley Sawyer Associate
Interested in an apprenticeship at Workman?
We’re always looking for people who want to learn, work hard, and build a career in property.
