This year is the 16th National apprenticeship week which is set up by the government with a purpose of bringing businesses and apprentices together across the country to show the positive impact that an apprenticeship can have on an individual, business and wider industry. It highlights positive aspects of having an apprentice and showcases how knowledge can advance through the apprenticeship study route. The theme this year is ‘Skills for life’ which reflects on how the apprenticeship will help apprentices develop skills and knowledge for a rewarding career.  

My role, with Armitstead Barnett, as an Apprentice Trainee Surveyor is to assist the senior surveyors in their day-to-day role and to attend Harper Adams University. I am currently in my 2nd year of the five year apprenticeship scheme completing a Honours degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management (REALM).  

The apprenticeship encourages me to explore and experience all aspects of the business and surveying role, from property and land sales, landlord and tenant matters to compensation claims and valuations. It requires me to learn the content of the role at Harper Adams University and then put it into practise at Armitstead Barnett.

The most beneficial part of the apprenticeship is learning the content at university and being able to relate it to real life practise examples which helps with my understanding. Also, having the senior surveyors ‘on hand’ to give me guidance throughout the university course is invaluable and certainly assists with a deeper understanding of the degree.   As an apprentice in practise working with clients and colleagues I have already learnt many transferable skills that are ‘Skills for life.’ 

Every day is a learning day!