How did it all start?

I came to pt with a Merit in Construction and The Built Environment (Level 3) from Bolton College.

The apprentice route means that in 5 years, I will have a degree in Building surveying from the University of Salford and within 6 years, I will become a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. This is through working full-time (4 days a week) and studying part-time (one day a week)

Why did you decide to study to become a building surveyor via an apprenticeship?

I decided to take the apprenticeship route within building surveying as I knew I preferred working over studying full time and I also feel I learn easier and at a greater depth when I am on the job. This has proved to be very accurate as I have found it a lot easier to learn with the support of my colleagues and having designated hours in the office to study for university.

Who are your mentors at Property Tectonics?

I work directly for David McTear who is a director at Property Tectonics and has been a Chartered Building Surveyor for over 36 years and Richard Rhodes-Heaton, who is the Principal Surveyor and has been a Chartered Building Surveyor for over 12 years. It's amazing to have access to and learn from such seasoned professionals. I was amazed to discover that Richard started as a gap-year student at Property Tectonics, then went on to develop his career at the firm and work his way up. It demonstrates that pt really takes care and invests in its staff. I'm also learning how the real world works in a commercial environment with real customers - something you can't grasp in the classroom.

What is it about building surveying that appeals to you?

I mainly enjoy the process of trying to work out the cause of a defect within a building and all the different possibilities. It can be challenging but feels rewarding when you realise how it has happened and it all clicks into place. I also love the bits of design work I get to do on AutoCAD as I can let my creative side come out.

What are the benefits of this type of learning?

This type of learning allows me to gain practical knowledge whilst applying the theory taught in the classroom. It also helps at university when I am being taught a subject, that David or Richard has already explained to me! Both classroom-based study and being in the workplace benefit each other, creating a smoother, more effective learning journey.

What were you nervous about prior to starting in the role?

I was most worried about how I was going to juggle my time with a full-time job and part-time education; however, a percentage of my work hours are dedicated to university, for example, if I had an assessment or an essay, I could go through this at work with the support of my colleagues who are already chartered building surveyors.

Is working full time and studying harder than studying full time?

I definitely feel that an apprenticeship is more rewarding than studying full-time as you feel you’re progression is quicker which gives you more confidence. There are no pressures to have an unrelated part-time job due to the apprenticeship providing for all your living costs so you can put all your focus into becoming a building surveyor.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I enjoy visiting different places and spending time with friends and family. I have had a lot more free time for this since I started the apprenticeship.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about taking an apprenticeship route?

Just go for it! For me, it’s the easiest and most effective way to learn and achieve my goal of becoming a Chartered Building Surveyor.