10 common apprenticeship scheme myths, debunked

We’ve teamed up with national property consultancy Vail Williams LLP to explore some of the common myths and misconceptions about the apprenticeship route. By Tanya Horscroft, Learning & Development Manager…

Forty apprentices and counting

Mark Winsor, Talent and Development Manager at Lambert Smith Hampton, believes younger generations will play a crucial part in helping the built environment overcome the challenges of sustainability, diversity and…

Persevering through 200 rejections to find the perfect apprenticeship

Toby Vowels, Assistant Building Surveyor at Keltbray Limited, hasn't looked back since shifting to a career in building surveying and overcoming a serious back injury. Name: Toby Vowels Job role:…

“An opportunity on a plate”: studying for a Master’s degree apprenticeship

Rachel Harwood, Project Manager for South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, is continuing her love of learning and education with UCEM for her second degree. Name: Rachel Harwood Job role:…

Back to UCEM for a Master’s after 20 years

Leanne Conroy, a Surveyor at Vail Williams and current Master's degree apprentice with UCEM, thought apprenticeships were just for people straight out of school. Name: Leanne Conroy Job role: Surveyor…

From building enthusiast to real estate professional

Dontae's long-standing interest and passion for property has led him to launch an exciting career as a Junior Flexible Office Consultant at Workthere. Name: Dontae Francois Job role: Junior Flexible…

From admin assistant to trainee building surveyor

"My plan was never to go into surveying, but I’ve fallen into the industry and now I’m doing something that I absolutely love.” Name: Sophie Ollerton Job role: Trainee Building…

A fourth-generation bricklayer-turned-surveyor

Adam Stride, a Building Surveyor and UCEM apprentice, is looking forward to continuing to explore the world of property and surveying with Savills in the coming years. Name: Adam Stride Job…

Seamlessly switching employers mid-apprenticeship

"This apprenticeship has changed a lot in my life and done really positive things for me, so I’d like to be able to pay that forward to other people.” Name:…

Working, earning and studying simultaneously through an apprenticeship

Jodi-Ann Morgan, Junior Cost Consultant with Arcadis Consulting and winner of UCEM's Apprentice of the Year - Undergraduate award in 2024, has thrived on the apprenticeship model and the ability…

From 100-hour weeks in utilities to quantity surveying

Jack Bradshaw, Trainee Quantity Surveyor with Cooper & Hall Limited, has successfully transitioned from the utilities industry to an exciting career in the built environment. Name: Jack Bradshaw Job role:…

Encouraging existing staff to upskill

"The apprenticeship scheme has enabled more women to enter the industry on a level playing field.” Name: Paul Pratten Job role: Associate Director Company: Quadrant Building Control Paul is Associate…