As the days are getting shorter, the first three months of my apprenticeship have flown by. After completing two weeks work experience earlier this year, in September I started my Rural Surveying Degree Apprenticeship with Armitstead Barnett.

My first weeks have shown me just how varied a career in Rural Surveying can be. No two days are the same; one morning might involve making land plans or preparing sales brochures in the office, while the next could mean travelling out to meet clients or attend site inspections. The changing weather going into winter has certainly kept things interesting, but it’s also reminded me of the importance of preparation, teamwork and keeping a good pair of waterproofs close by!

So far, I am particularly enjoying assisting with compensation claims. I have attended a few site inspections to record crop loss caused by ground testing works. Writing up claims has been informative to me on current market prices and is rewarding to see claimants sufficiently reinstated.

One of the best parts is the opportunity to shadow the surveyors; it is invaluable to observe how they communicate with clients, advise, and carry out their work.

As part of my apprenticeship, I attend Harper Adams University once a month for a study week. This is a great opportunity to explore the theory behind the work I complete at Armitstead Barnett, helping me to connect learning in lectures with real-world practice. Understanding the legislation, valuation methods, and business principles that underpin the profession has made my time working at Armitstead Barnett even more meaningful. Bridging the gap between theory and practice has shown me how essential both sides of training are to becoming a well-rounded rural surveyor.

It has also been brilliant meeting other apprentices on my course, all of whom work for different firms with their own areas of expertise. This has provided me with a broader view of the industry and new perspectives to bring back to my own work.

The team, across all four offices, have made me feel incredibly welcome from day one. Everyone has been supportive and generous with their time, helping me settle into the role.

I’m looking forward to continuing building on what I have learnt so far and getting involved with more work.