Can an apprenticeship help you in the construction industry?

It is common knowledge that the ongoing skills shortage and youth unemployment are having a negative impact on the UK government's target of building a million homes by the end of its term.

As a result, last year the government announced a £725m package of reforms to make it easier for young people to enter employment through apprenticeships.

Although the apprentice pipeline is well established, there may be a perception that apprenticeships can demand too much of the participants or that they do not provide enough benefits.

To challenge this negative attitude, three young RICS members spoke to Construction Journal about their experiences with the AtkinsRéalis apprenticeship programme.

AtkinsRéalis has built a system that is comprehensive and helpful rather than nerve-wracking for a young graduate.

Jess Angus MRICS, now a senior quantity surveyor in Birmingham, found that from the outset: 'The application process felt friendly and supportive, from the initial phone interview to the assessment day. Everyone I met was approachable and helped to put me at ease straight away.

'During the interview, it was clear that they were genuinely interested in my personality and what I hoped to achieve through the apprenticeship. I chose the AtkinsRéalis apprenticeship programme because it offered the perfect opportunity to combine university studies with hands-on experience across real projects and scenarios.'

Zerya Oner MRICS, a London-based project manager, echoed these sentiments, adding: 'The process felt fair and well organised and there were lots of opportunities to ask questions. Each stage felt like an opportunity to show who I was, and interviewers were friendly and genuinely interested in my motivations.

'The assessment centre gave a good insight into the collaborative side of AtkinsRéalis.'

Quantity surveyor Jess Boardman MRICS, who works in Liverpool, also felt that: 'The application process was smooth and easy to follow as a slightly nervous teenager with little experience of job applications.'  

Deciding to enter the construction industry, and especially to take an apprenticeship route, is by no means the default option for young adults.

However, for Boardman it was a commitment they decided on early: 'Following my A-levels I knew that I wanted to complete a degree apprenticeship rather than the traditional university route as it offered the opportunity to gain real, hands-on experience within the construction industry while undertaking university studies, which developed both my professional and practical skills.

'After researching AtkinsRéalis and seeing the scale of projects being delivered around the world, I was eager to apply for their apprenticeship programme.'

Similarly, Oner also felt 'drawn to AtkinsRéalis because of its reputation for delivering a variety of complete projects and the structured development offered through the graduate programme.

'I wanted to join an organisation with a great culture and where I could build strong technical foundations while being exposed to real responsibility early on.'

Each of our contributors felt very supported during their AtkinsRéalis apprenticeship while also being introduced to the RICS APC pipeline.

Angus notes that: 'The programme introduced me to the APC process early on, giving me a solid foundation of knowledge. By the time I felt ready to begin my APC journey, I already understood the requirements and the level of commitment involved.

'Just as importantly, the wide range of project experience I gained proved invaluable when demonstrating my competencies.'

Boardman also found the APC dovetailed with the AtkinsRéalis system very efficiently: 'Throughout the programme, there was a strong emphasis on chartership, and I received extensive support and guidance from senior colleagues during the APC process.

'I was able to attend internal workshops, mock interviews and group study sessions with colleagues from across the country, all of which played a vital role in my preparation.

'With the ongoing support of AtkinsRéalis, I successfully passed my APC last year and became a chartered quantity surveyor.'

Oner was able to use a range of learning and networking tools, which ensured they felt engaged throughout: 'The programme has supported me in many different ways, including lunch-and-learns, APC workshops and the day-to-day learning on live projects.

'I had access to technical experts, knowledgeable project directors and a really supportive line manager, who all helped guide my progression. 

'Being involved in a wide variety of projects and working with different clients has accelerated my learning and helped me build confidence quickly.

'The programme is very clearly aligned with the APC pathway, with lots of support from my counsellor and supervisor. The experience I've gained covers the competencies in a structured way, and I have had opportunities to cover any gaps through my project work. 

'The training sessions, mock interviews and competency reviews have all helped me build confidence and stay on track.'

It can initially be a lonely experience after induction when an individual first joins a business. 

However, Angus highlighted the positive impact that senior colleagues and mentors can have on an apprentice, something that can often be overlooked: 'AtkinsRéalis offer great apprenticeship programmes through meaningful work and mentoring, offering a great way to start your career.

'Throughout my time with the company, I have felt supported at every stage. When I joined, I became part of a team that included fellow apprentices and senior members with years of experience dating back to before I was born.

'Having strong role models around me who offered guidance and advice was incredibly motivating and inspired me to progress.'

When asked if they would recommend an apprenticeship to others, Oner also said that they 'would encourage it. The programme gives you real responsibility, strong support and a clear route to professional qualification. 

'You are surrounded by people who genuinely want you to succeed, and the variety of work allows you to learn so much in a short period of time.'

Boardman highlighted the economic value of an apprenticeship and how it can give individuals a step up the career ladder:

'I'd say definitely consider the apprenticeship route if you want to kick-start your career early and gain valuable experience while learning, with no student debt.

'AtkinsRéalis has a structured programme in place with lots of support and guidance to help you achieve the end goal of becoming a chartered surveyor.

'The apprenticeship programme has really supported my development over the past eight years. 

'Gaining experience working on a number of prestigious projects such as Grade I listed Manchester town hall, allowed me to apply practical, real-world experience directly to my academic studies, helping me to achieve a first-class honours degree.'