This Q&A shines a light on Tom’s journey as a Building Surveying degree apprentice. He describes the experience as challenging yet rewarding, with the mix of academic study and real-world practice helping him grow quickly in both confidence and capability. From completing a demanding dissertation to contributing to large feasibility projects, Tom has embraced every opportunity, supported by experienced colleagues who have guided his development.
General Experience
Q- How would you describe your experience so far as a Building Surveying degree apprentice?
I would describe my experience as challenging, interesting and rewarding. It is a career path I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in architecture, history and even science and law.
Q- What attracted you to the Building Surveying apprenticeship route instead of a full-time university course?
While doing the degree full time would make it two years shorter, I knew that being an apprentice would provide invaluable experience. Theory is great, I’m not denying that, but actually working with professionals in the field, learning practices and getting experience can teach you things that almost no classroom can.
Q- How has your understanding of the surveying profession changed since you started?
Since stating I have learned of the huge breadth this profession spans, the multitude of topics, paths and specialisations one can go down and it has shown me that there can be a route for almost anyone.
Learning & Development
Q- What have been the biggest technical challenges you’ve tackled during your apprenticeship?
Without a doubt my biggest challenge during my apprenticeship was my dissertation, despite having regular support from university and my workspace it was still very difficult. At University, I had regular meetings with an advisor which was extremely valuable and then in my workspace, I had access to professionals with a wide range of experience and knowledge to draw on, using exercises such as questionnaires and interviews – this has helped massively to polish my dissertation which is just another example of how the apprenticeship route is favourable to undertaking a full time university course for me.
Q- How do you balance on-site learning, office work, and university study?
By laying out times for each thing and keeping to a schedule. Look at the time you have, spread it out evenly based upon what takes priority, set aside time to slow down, think and relax. Sacrifices may be needed but in the long run things worked out very well for me.
Q- Can you give an example of a university module that’s helped you in a live project?
I can give several, construction technology and building pathology have assisted me in conducting different surveys (an example would be a specific survey to identify a source of dampness within a building). Another example would be law which has aided me in assisting with processes like planning permission (an example would be a project involving the planning permission of a property that was believed to require additional steps, using my knowledge I investigated the requirement and found that additional surveys were not in fact needed saving the client time and money).
Q- How has your confidence grown in applying theory to real-life building surveying tasks (e.g. defect diagnosis, condition reports)?
Massively, confirming theory by seeing it in person builds a very solid foundation for the theory you learn and by having it confirmed by experienced professionals further validates learning and practices. Theory is great but theory alone cannot take you into the working world.
Support and Mentorship
Q- How supported have you felt by your team while progressing through your apprenticeship?
Very well supported, having professionals on hand with knowledge and experience (in not only the profession, but who have likely gone through similar career starts) provides ample support that I have certainly used in the past with both work and university matters.
Q- What’s one piece of advice you’ve received from a senior surveyor that stuck with you?
Always be attentive and pay attention to the small details.
Work Highlights
Q- What’s been your favourite survey, inspection, or project to work on so far, and why?
My current favourite would have to be a large feasibility project on multiple sites I assisted a senior colleague within north Nottinghamshire, we investigated, desktop and onsite surveyed, quantified, wrote up and presented feasibility reports to our client. It involved the use of a huge range of skills including surveying, data analysis, presentation and report writing, while it was long and difficult I can say it was my favourite.
Q- Can you share a moment where you felt proud of your contribution to a project?
A proud moment for me was in the previous mentioned project, I assisted in the forming of our reports and then presenting our calculated figures to the client. I was really proud to be put forward to present these findings to the client, particularly as I had helped put them together.
Culture and Environment
Q- How would you describe the team culture and day-to-day environment in the office and on-site?
Very positive, the environment in the office is never dull, anyone can be sought for advice or assistance, and everyone is always friendly and kind.
Q- Do you feel like your input is valued within the team?
Yes, I’ve often seen and heard others remark and complement on how my assistance has helped a project or task.
Q- How has working with experienced surveyors shaped your development?
It has allowed my development to progress faster than I expected, having access to the large span of knowledge and experience from accomplished surveyors means that if ever I am stuck, I can always request guidance.
Looking Ahead
Q- How do you see your role evolving as you work towards chartership?
I see myself becoming increasingly involved in complex and larger projects, from initiation to completion.
Q- Are there particular areas of surveying (e.g. dilapidations, heritage buildings, project work) you’d like to specialise in?
I would like to take my specialist knowledge down two different areas’: Dilapidations & Heritage Buildings.
- Dilapidations is an area I’ve been working in for nearly the entirety of my career in building surveying and I’ve developed an extensive knowledge in this field which I hope to develop further.
- Heritage Buildings have always fascinated me, be it a place where an event took place, where someone of note was born or simply an example of no longer practiced architecture. I have a deep love and appreciation for history and finding ways to preserve and protect it would definitely be an area I would like to go into.
Q- What advice would you give to someone considering a Building Surveying degree apprenticeship?
It’s going to be difficult adjusting to work and university simultaneously but stick to it and you’ll get invaluable experience! Set time aside in your downtime to do some reading or research under a topic (this field is ALWAYS evolving). It can be tricky to get into unless you have an existing interest in architecture, history or science so just bear this in mind.