Insight

Apprenticeship FAQs

07.2.22 3 MINUTE READ

Image of Bidwells Graduates 2018 (22 of 44)

Three of our current apprentices answer some of the most commonly asked questions about their roles.

1. Describe your role day to day…

Apprentice Building Surveyor, Kallie, talks about how her role varies day-to-day.

"My role is very diverse, which I have found building surveying to be from my small insight into the profession so far. My day can involve using CAD to create and amend drawings; completing certificates; drafting contracts and recording minutes, to name a few, whilst in the office. I also attend university in Chelmsford twice a week for lectures and seminars for my degree."

2. Where do you plan on progressing after your apprenticeship?

Apprentice Architectural Technologist, Beth, talk about her plans for the future.

"After completing my apprenticeship, I hope to continue progressing towards becoming a fully qualified architect."

3. Tell us about your studying, what do you enjoy about it?

Apprentice Building Surveyor, Kallie, talks about how studying fits in to her position as an apprentice.

"I started my Building Surveying Degree with Anglia Ruskin this year and have been enjoying learning about Project Control and Health and Safety, which has linked greatly with some of the work I have been shadowing at the moment – how programmes work and how they are created. I have really enjoyed learning the theory alongside the practical work as it has helped further my understanding of the tasks and think about how and why it is applied."

4. What’s it like working at Bidwells in the office?

Jacob, our Apprentice Project Manager, talks about working in our Oxford office.

"The Oxford office is a nice office on the top two floors of Seacourt Tower so has some good views and is a friendly environment with the team."

5. What are some interesting tasks or projects that you are working on?

Apprentice Architectural Apprentice, Beth, and Apprentice Building Surveyor, Kallie, talk about what projects they're woking on at the moment.

Beth: "One project that I am currently working on is a dining hall for Queen’s College, I created a 3D model of the hall which I enjoyed as it allowed me to use the skills, I have learnt from studying and transfer them to my work."

Kallie: One of the tasks I have been working on is labelling the schedule of works onto the existing and proposed drawings of a large farm building in order to produce a clear format of what works will be carried out in each room and area of the property, ready for the commencement of works. As well as this, I have assisted in the snagging process of an office suit – attending site visits to ensure that all work needing amendment was carried out to a high standard".

6. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

Apprentice Architectural Technologist, Beth, explains why she chose to pursue an apprenticeship.

"I chose an apprenticeship as an alternative to university alone to gain valuable on the job experience whilst completing my degree."

7. How do you find balancing your work, social and study life?

Jacob, our Apprentice Project Manager, discusses how he finds undertaking an apprenticeship, his social life, and studying.

"Currently my work life balance is very good although I will have more work soon, some days are more busy than others also but overall I have plenty of time for social life and my study will be a day release once I start my university course in March."