Principal Thoughts

Principal Thoughts: The Use of Drones in Construction

Welcome to the latest edition of Ashley Wheaton’s ‘Principal Thoughts’. In this edition, Ashley provides his insight into the growing use of drones in construction and the benefits they bring…
Cranes against a sunset

Principal Thoughts: The Hackitt Report and the Impact on the Built Environment

Welcome to the latest edition of Ashley Wheaton’s ‘Principal Thoughts’. In this edition, Ashley provides his insight into the likely implications of the Hackitt report and speaks with colleagues Jane…
Dr Afolabi Dania

Construction techniques and technology: a guest blog featuring Dr Afolabi Dania, MSc Construction Management programme Leader at UCEM

In this latest guest blog, we speak with Dr Afolabi Dania about his background in the construction industry, the key topics he teaches throughout the MSc Construction Management programme and…

A case study: How one of the UK’s top Real Estate companies has leveraged apprenticeships

In our latest employer case study blog, we speak with Ema Saunders, Graduate Programme Director at Savills, who provides insight into the benefits of apprenticeships and gives advice for other…
A surveyor using a total station with the sunset in the background

From Recruitment to Quantity Surveying: how leveraging the benefits of an apprenticeship can help you reach your career goals

In our latest student case study blog, we speak with Tim Whitcher, Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Evolution5, who’s studying the Chartered Surveyor Quantity Surveying Pathway apprenticeship with UCEM. Realising my…
Principal Thoughts

Principal Thoughts: a look back at National Apprenticeship Week 2018

Welcome to the latest edition of Ashley Wheaton’s ‘Principal Thoughts’. This time, Ashley looks back at the 11th National Apprenticeship Week – during which employers, apprentices and training providers from…
James Grinnell

Q&A: As we’re nearing the end of National Apprenticeship Week, we asked one employer what they look for in an apprentice

The Built Environment sector is currently experiencing a critical skills shortage. When the recession hit in 2008, the sector lost around 140,000 jobs. But we need construction talent more than…
Architect and foreman in front of a building

My life in the Built Environment: Guest blog by David Hunt, UCEM’s BSc Access Module Leader

Early interest in real estate I wanted to do a job where I would not be stuck in an office all day. The big attraction of real estate when I…
A surveyor using a total station with the sunset in the background

National Apprenticeship Week Spotlight: Building on my career through a Quantity Surveying Apprenticeship

In this special National Apprenticeship Week case study blog, we speak with Patrice Weekes who’s currently studying the Quantity Surveying pathway of UCEM’s Surveying Technician apprenticeship programme while working for…
Principal Thoughts

Principal Thoughts: How are the delayed apprenticeship standards affecting the Built Environment skills crisis?

Welcome to the latest edition of Ashley Wheaton’s ‘Principal Thoughts’. This time, Ashley looks at the impact the apprenticeship standards hold-up is having on the Built Environment skills pipeline –…
A man poring over architectural floor plans

Yes, we need a major increase in degree apprenticeships – but is it enough to solve the UK’s worsening skills crisis?

Guest blog by Stephen Bartle, Director Commercial and Business Development, University College of Estate Management Last week – as reported in The Independent - Chairman of the Education Select Committee,…
Principal Thoughts

Principal Thoughts: What does 2018 hold for the Built Environment? Certainly more advances in technology – but, hopefully, more and better talent.

Welcome to the latest edition of Ashley Wheaton’s ‘Principal Thoughts’. This time, Ashley looks at how it’s becoming ever more apparent that the current levels of training and education for…