10 Feb National Apprenticeship Week 2022
National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is the 15th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships in the UK.
The week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to highlight the positive impact that apprenticeships make on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is ‘build the future’; reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.
We want to shine a spotlight on some of our apprentices with diverse backgrounds and at different stages of their journey.
Dylan Gilbery | Assistant Project Manager
“I became interested in the Construction industry when I worked with a family member as a labourer.
When I decided to pursue a career in construction, I visited a Building Plymouth ‘Job Shop’ Event held by Plymouth City Council. I signed up with Southwest Shared Apprenticeships and was selected as an Apprentice Construction Technician with Willmott Dixon. As part of my apprenticeship, I undertook a BTEC Level 3 in Construction and the Built Environment at Exeter College.
I wanted to expand my knowledge of construction and gain more experience in Project Management from a consultancy perspective and joined WWA in 2019.
Since joining Ward Williams Associates (WWA) I have continued as an apprentice and I’m studying Construction Management to a degree level which I will be completing over the next 3 years. In December 2021, I was thrilled to be promoted to Assistant Project Manager after supporting the delivery of important projects in Plymouth including the Bereavement Centre, Central Place and the Melville Building at the Royal William Yard.
My goal is to complete my degree and become a Chartered Project Manager through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) route. “
Harrison Stone | Assistant Quantity Surveyor
“Once I had completed my A-Levels, I left college with little idea of the career path I wanted to pursue.
The construction industry had always appealed to me and after some research, I decided I would apply to the Skills Group in the hope of finding an apprenticeship in this sector.
The Skills Group specialises in routes to employment via apprenticeships with top local employers.
After discussing my options, I decided the consultancy side of construction was most appealing. Skills Group advised me of an apprenticeship place that was available at Ward Williams Associates, located in their Plymouth office. I met the qualification requirements and was invited to interview. I was offered the position and started my NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration.
After 12 months, I had completed my apprenticeship. WWA had recognised my understanding and curiosity for Cost Management and offered me the role of Trainee Quantity Surveyor. So far I have achieved the following accreditations; Certificate in Surveying, Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Foundation Degree in Quantity Surveying and am now studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying at The College of Estate Management through flexible learning. All this has been achieved whilst gaining enormous amounts of practical experience.
To encourage others to look at the career opportunities available in the industry, I have represented WWA at Apprenticeship Fairs with Building Plymouth. Building Plymouth helps to promote opportunities for young people in construction, an industry that is experiencing extensive growth and innovation.”
Rosie Fenton | Project Manager
“My career in construction started around 12 years ago when I left school and joined a local Estate Agent as a trainee. I soon realised that I had real passion and curiosity for all things property and decided that a career in the construction industry was perfect for me!
Fast forward 4 years, and I joined a local developer as a Customer Relations Manager. My key role was to assist new homeowners with queries and ensure any minor defects were quickly rectified. My knowledge of the development process grew, and I was keen to be more involved at the sharp end and learn more about the project life cycle.
I joined WWA 4 years ago, as an Assistant Project Manager and truly began my career in construction.
Whilst working with WWA, I have been enrolled in a Construction Management Degree through the Apprenticeship Route. I am delighted to say I have now completed my Degree (I’m awaiting my results) and have been promoted to Project Manager. I can’t wait to continue to grow my Project Management skills and continue to work on incredible projects such as Hayle Renewable Business Park and hospitals in Poole and Bournemouth.”
Jack Roffey | Assistant Quantity Surveyor
“After finishing school at 16, I decided to go straight into a Level 3 College apprenticeship in Construction and The Built Environment.
I completed my Southwest Shared Apprenticeship in 2019 and secured a role with a main contractor as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor.
In 2020 just after the first wave of Covid I joined WWA and began my apprenticeship degree with The College of Estate Management. My goal is to complete my degree and work towards becoming a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. I am now 6 months into my degree and have received a lot of support from members of the WWA Exeter team who have taken a similar route to myself and are now fully qualified. The experience I’m gaining from working on projects whilst studying has been invaluable and I cannot wait to continue my career in construction.”
