Derry Building Services
Building the Future of Quantity Surveying Through Apprenticeships
Derry Building Services is recognised as one of the UK’s leading and most technically advanced Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Design, Build, and Maintenance contractors. Renowned for its engineering excellence and commitment to quality, Derry Building Services combines cutting-edge technology with expert in-house teams to offer end-to-end solutions, from concept and design through to installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance.
Managing Surveyor, Joanne Lacey talks about the partnership with NTU and the positive impact it's had for DBS apprentices.
Apprentices
Level 3 and 4 apprenticeships have been offered since 2003, and we started offering Undergraduate and Postgraduate apprenticeships in 2018.
I joined DBS in 2020, and considering I had no prior knowledge of what it was to be a Quantity Surveyor, I am very proud to now be independently acting as a Quantity Surveyor on jobs in excess of £6.5 million....... I really didn’t think it would be possible to progress this quickly - it is great to have gained the support of DBS and to be trusted to work so independently at this stage in my career.
Esme Freitas, Level 6 Chartered Surveyor (QS Pathway) Degree Apprentice
Outcomes
- Enhanced employee skills and qualifications
- Improved business performance
- Increased staff motivation and aspirations
- Stronger local partnerships
- Effective workforce development
I was an apprentice myself, so I have seen the benefits first-hand. Derry Building Services train to the best practice. Therefore, it is extremely rewarding to see each apprentice’s professional progression within the company. It is also great knowing that we are helping the industry grow by giving back through our training programmes.
Joanne Lacey, Managing Surveyor at Derry Building Services
Business Challenge
Derry Building Services has experienced ongoing growth and needed a reliable, long-term strategy for building and maintaining a highly skilled commercial team. A key part of that strategy was recognising the value of apprenticeships in developing a future-ready workforce while supporting the broader industry.
The company’s focus on best practice training and internal development aligned perfectly with the apprenticeship model.
Goals & Objectives
The organisation’s goal was to implement a consistent and scalable development pathway for quantity surveyors. Initially employing one apprentice every five years, the company has now increased this to up to three per year. This shift reflects a strategic commitment to growing talent internally and maintaining high service standards.
Derry Building Services also sought to use apprenticeships to increase mentoring opportunities within the commercial team and create a more efficient and productive department.
Our Approach
Apprenticeships were introduced in 2003, and the model evolved steadily over time. The organisation created a structured training and mentoring framework to support junior team members while offering senior staff the opportunity to guide and develop others.
The company’s partnership with Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has played a significant role in the success of its programme. NTU’s day-release model and tailored feedback enabled apprentices to combine real-world experience with academic development.
One of the standout benefits of NTU’s provision is that it supports apprentices in achieving MRICS accreditation, offering clear professional progression and recognition.
Positive Impact
Apprentices have had a hugely positive impact on Derry Building Services. The programme has enabled the company to build a resilient and forward-looking commercial team, while enhancing internal development through mentoring and knowledge sharing.
The apprenticeship structure has also allowed the business to diversify roles, improve time management across the department, and strengthen its long-term planning.
Derry Building Services continues to recommend apprenticeships and considers NTU an invaluable partner for its expert provision and commitment to both learners and employers.
"The support received by NTU has been excellent. Particularly the encouragement of mentoring and the feedback on performance and aptitude for the course. The partnership has given us the opportunity to send trainees out on a day release system. Consequently, learning on the job has proven a great success with each of our apprentices."
Joanne Lacey, Managing Surveyor at Derry Building Services
Request a call back
If you are interested in finding out more about apprenticeships at NTU and the support available to employers who take on an apprentice, simply enter your details in the contact form below and a member of our Apprenticeships team will be in contact to discuss your options.