Apprentices in real estate: Skills and knowledge for life

With National Apprenticeship Week in its 16th year, there has never been a better time to celebrate apprentices in the built environment. EG catches up with three who recount their journeys into real estate and experiences of apprenticeship schemes Jordanne Dunn (pictured, above) Apprentice building surveyor, building and project consultancy, Savills Birmingham I joined Savills at the age of 17 and I’m now in the final year of a level-six degree apprenticeship in building surveying with Birmingham City University, graduating in July. Based in our Birmingham office, I recently returned to work following the birth of my first child.  I always thought that I would end up going to university but I fell out of love with full-time education during my A-levels. I did some research around apprenticeships and that’s when I found Savills. It was huge for me. My interview was the first time that I’d travelled to Birmingham on my own. I was incredibly nervous but it was a very positive experience and everyone made me feel very at ease. It has not been without its challenges. It can sometimes be difficult to juggle workload with finding time to study, particularly as a working parent. However, I have found it’s best to compartmentalise – each element is just as important as the other and you need to make sure you prioritise both. It also helps to communicate. I have a very supportive team and I have always been honest. If I have a deadline approaching then I let them know and we share the jobs accordingly. It has been a hugely rewarding experience. Obviously there are financial benefits – I was able to buy my first house at the age of 18, which otherwise I’m not sure I would have been able to – but I have also grown so much as a person. I am now a lot more confident and the variety of work and expertise I am exposed to is extraordinary. It has given me a well-rounded set of skills for the future. I’m looking forward to sitting my APC later this year. Seeing projects from initial design through to completion and getting on site are some of the best aspects of the job – it’s great to see the theory come to life in practice. No day is ever the same. It is an occupation you can take anywhere in the world and it allows you to shape the landscape around you. Darren Cooper Valuation surveyor, Hortons  I used to be a teacher and loved it but, as time went on, I wanted more. More in terms of career scope and progression, but most importantly I wanted to learn again. I researched the five-year BSc real estate management degree apprenticeship with the University College of Estate Management and was drawn to the convenience of online learning. I started in October 2018 and it took a semester to get used to studying online. My decision was affirmed during the pandemic when I was placed on furlough and had more time to study.  The DA has delivered in the learning respect; my four-and-a-half years’ work experience in two firms have provided me with the experience that I sought. I gained an opportunity and went for it whole-heartedly, throwing myself into study and work. The DA appealed because I had one day release a week (I have worked one day at the weekend too for the past 4.5 years during semesters) and I could really get into the study for study’s sake. Being a practical/vocational profession, surveying has allowed me to practice theoretical concepts that I have learned on the degree course.  About halfway through the course I was made redundant owing to the pandemic and had the opportunity to switch to the MSc. However, I continued with the DA and stand by that decision as the breadth of knowledge gained on the degree is what I set out to achieve.  The BSc REM is commercial-centric. Most of my experience is in residential valuation but because Hortons specialises in leasehold enfranchisement, the valuation calculations and legal studies elements of the course have served me well. I honestly cannot rate the BSc REM at UCEM enough – it has been fantastic and I have learned so much.  Achieving the balance between work and study has been tough, mainly because I have a wife and child too.  The DA was not designed for mature apprentices – there are a lot of sacrifices that need to be made and anyone considering it in their 30s (or beyond) should be aware of that. Nasif Miah National investments apprentice, Allsop I joined Allsop in June 2021, a year after completing my A-levels and taking a gap year due to Covid.I had been inspired by real estate through having a mentor who worked in the industry. That gave me a taste of the sector and led me to discover industry apprenticeships – and, as it happened, one of my first applications was to Allsop. For me, the apprenticeship route seemed a no-brainer. The benefits of a sponsored degree and the priceless experience is perfect for building a young person’s career. The interview was nothing like I had expected. It was my first face-to-face interview − a conversation with the panel getting to know me and understanding my background and goals. It was completely different to other interviews I’d had and I felt then that Allsop might be the place for me. Fortunately, they agreed. Allsop’s apprenticeship scheme provides the perfect balance between maturing into the job and enjoying my youth at university. The best part is learning day-to-day what property is all about. I work in the national investment team, dealing with clients and their requirements for buying or selling property. Alongside that, I’ve managed to balance my work and study by making best use of the university day and catching up with coursework. To manage coursework, I break it down by doing an hour after work, helping me to keep on top of it, especially closer to deadlines. It helps me to stay productive and keeps my weekends free. Allsop is also flexible, offering support if needed and helping me to maintain a balanced workload. In addition, working at Allsop also allows me to pursue my passion – football. I play for the Allsop team, which not only makes it easier to get to know people from across the business but also to network with clients and other agents who play. I could honestly go on for days about the benefits of an apprenticeship. The most obvious is gaining a free degree – something that, once I graduate, I will have forever – but also the priceless experience I’ll gain over the five years of the scheme. After I qualify, the foundation and network provide a superb launchpad for a career in real estate, with a comprehensive grasp of the fundamentals, on-the-job experience, plus academic insights, and a strong network already in place. National Apprenticeship Week runs 6-12 February 2023 To send feedback, e-mail sarah.jackman@eg.co.uk or tweet @EGPropertyNews