Kathryn Parsons - Level 6 Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship (Quantity Surveyor Pathway)
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
“The key reason I decided to do a degree apprenticeship, rather than complete a full-time degree, was to gain real work experience as you put the theoretical knowledge learnt at university into practice in the workplace. The Chartered Surveyor (Quantity Surveyor Pathway) degree apprenticeship which I am undertaking also allows for apprentices to complete their RICS Assessment of Professional Competence, which is unique specifically to this route and will allow you to progress your professional career quicker.
By completing a degree apprenticeship, I have also been able to build my professional network from the beginning of my studies, as I have gained connections with other students and have been able to attend networking events with Gleeds, my employer, and NTU. Not only that, but when completing a degree apprenticeship, you also earn a competitive salary whilst you are learning!”
What stands out about NTU?
“Through Nottingham Trent’s employability team and the demand for Quantity Surveyors, one of the key aspects that makes NTU stand out is their employability rate for Quantity Surveying related jobs. Once you attend the university it is evident that this has been achieved through the high-quality teaching provided. NTU’s location is also a key benefit to studying at the university due to being in the city centre!”
How do you believe this apprenticeship will affect both your current job role and future career?
“The degree apprenticeship has provided a great foundation for my future career. It has helped develop my technical knowledge regarding construction technology and it has developed my understating around key topics that you will use in your day-to-day work life. For example, the different contracts that can be used on construction projects and the different types of procurement routes available. The degree apprenticeship also aims to fast-track students to take their RICS Assessment of Professional Competence and succeed in being awarded an RICS Chartered Membership. By completing a degree apprenticeship you have the support of the university and your employer, which makes you really feel part of a team who want you to succeed.”
Through Nottingham Trent’s employability team and the demand for Quantity Surveyors, one of the key aspects that makes NTU stand out is their employability rate for Quantity Surveying related jobs.
What do you think of the facilities available at NTU? This includes online resources.
“The laboratory facilities at NTU are excellent, some of the practical sessions we have taken part in include making glulam timber beams and making and testing reinforced concrete beams. I found the practical sessions really interesting as it is a unique way of learning. The library at NTU allows you to either take out a book in person, or you can access the books online. If the library doesn’t have a book you need, they are able to try to access it for you. If you require your own study space, you can also book out your own room!”
What is your favourite thing about your apprenticeship?
“My favourite aspect of the degree apprenticeship is that you can work on real life projects whilst studying, where no project is the same. You can then apply your knowledge learnt at university on the projects you are working on. In the final years of the degree apprenticeship I have found that you often know the topics in great detail before you are taught them as you have already come across the subject areas in the workplace.“
What advice would you give to someone considering a higher/degree apprenticeship?
“Go for it! I have not looked back when completing my degree apprenticeship. They are not easy, but they are very rewarding.
My main bit of advice would be to undertake work experience in the construction sector before starting the degree, as this will allow you to determine if this is the career for you. If you undertake work experience, this is also a great opportunity to have your name known within different companies which may then open the door of them offering you to complete a degree apprenticeship with them. Or, if they haven’t heard of degree apprenticeships it would be a great way to start the discussion with them.”
If you could describe your apprenticeship in 5 words, what would they be?
"The way forward for learning!"
To learn more about our apprenticeship courses, please contact apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk.