A blank canvas full of potential
An employer case study with AECOM
“Hiring apprentices allows AECOM to shape talent from the ground up, ensuring they learn company-specific skills early on.”
Average read time: 9 mins
July 01 2024
AECOM is a multinational infrastructure consulting firm, with its European headquarters based in London. Founded in 1910, the company has over 50,000 employees in offices throughout the world, with its services spanning across the built environment from architecture and design to construction, engineering and environment services.
In the UK and Ireland, AECOM hires around 100 apprentices every year, from Level 3 all the way to Level 6 degree apprenticeships.
To find out more about AECOM’s apprenticeship scheme and how it works, we visited the company’s Charlotte Place office in Southampton and spoke with several professionals involved in the process.
Being a levy-paying employer drove AECOM to launch the apprenticeship scheme
“AECOM began its degree apprenticeship for a few reasons,” Sam Cheesman, Training Co-ordinator, told us. “We are a levy-paying employer and wanted to ensure we utilised funds responsibly and in line with our strategic commitment to people development.”
“Investing in Apprenticeships seemed the natural choice as they provide exciting opportunities, minimise financial barriers to further education and enable AECOM to grow their own talent.”
The levy Sam is referring to is, of course, the Apprenticeship Levy – a government initiative that is soon to be replaced by the Growth and Skills Levy. For larger employers, the levy is a mandatory tax they have to pay into that creates a fund that businesses can access to pay for apprenticeship training.
However, despite the fact that hundreds of businesses are paying into the apprenticeship levy, £4bn of funds remain unspent, as many organisations fail to recognise and capitalise on the benefits of the apprenticeship model.
AECOM are among the built environment firms that have chosen to make use of these funds, and they’re reaping the benefits. As Frances White, Senior Project Surveyor, told us, “Apprenticeships bring fresh perspectives and diverse skills to AECOM. They allow us to mould talent accordingly, both to their specific interests and our company culture, leading to a more engage and skilled workforce.”
"Hiring apprentices allows AECOM to shape talent from the ground up, ensuring they learn company-specific skills early on.”
For AECOM, apprentices are blank canvases full of potential
AECOM go about advertising apprenticeship roles in the same way they would a vacancy – via their job board, as well as on external boards like NotGoingToUni, UCAS and Indeed. Candidates are then selected based on predicted/actual grades, as well as the content and quality of their written applications focusing on their interest in the role and AECOM.
As Sam explains, the chosen candidates are then provided to the hiring manager to review.
“Either one or two interviews will take place, depending on the number of vacancies and candidates that have been shortlisted. We aim to make an offer quickly in order to secure great candidates and begin to internally arrange the connection with the University, along with enrolment on our Early Careers programme.”
“Apprentices join us as blank canvases full of potential. This means we can mould and develop them easily.”
“Watching our Apprentices flourish and grow is really rewarding for our line managers,” Sam told us.
The apprenticeship model means that I can pursue higher education without the burden of student debt.”
One such apprentice AECOM are seeing develop firsthand is Charlie Anderson.
Growing up with a father who worked in building surveying, the built environment was always a topic of conversation for Charlie in his early life.
“Whilst studying at college, I realised full-time university wasn’t the right choice for me.”
“Following a suggestion from a family friend (and Quantity Surveyor) and my own research into AECOM’s projects, I chose to apply for their apprenticeship scheme.”
“The apprenticeship model means that I can pursue higher education without the burden of student debt. The blend of academic learning and practical work experience really appealed to me.”
Charlie began his Quantity Surveying apprenticeship in August 2021. As part of the scheme, he is able to allocate 20% (one day or 8 hours a week) of his time towards training, so that he can focus on his studies.
“We strongly recommend apprentices pick a set day a week for their studies and communicate this clearly, so the wider team as well as their Line Manager are aware,” Sam explains. “UCEM’s structure is helpful here as, when there does need to be flexibility, they have the ability to move their study day.”
A good relationship with your learning provider can streamline the process
As part of the delivery of the apprenticeship scheme, AECOM are supported by a number of learning institutions and partners – one of which is UCEM, who offer a range of different learning pathways across the built environment.
“AECOM has offices all over the UK and Ireland,” Sam said, “however our office locations don’t always have a suitable university close enough providing the courses we want. UCEM represent an ability to support all our office locations through their virtual campus.”
“AECOM receive support from UCEM in curriculum development,” Frances told us. “UCEM also help in terms of programme management and providing resources and guidance to apprentices throughout their studies.”
“The regulations and compliance around apprenticeships can be confusing,” Sam added. “However, having UCEM as our partner means we’re well informed. They have provided bespoke webinars for our managers, as well as resources to help us build knowledge and awareness within our support community.”
“The quarterly meetings we have with UCEM provide us with the ability to intervene and focus on individual apprentices to ensure they receive the support they need.”
“The apprenticeship model means that I can pursue higher education without the burden of student debt. The blend of academic learning and practical work experience really appealed to me.”
From a student perspective, UCEM’s online apprenticeship model is beneficial for them, too.
“Online learning has been a positive experience for me,” Charlie explained. “The transition from face-to-face learning to online platforms was helped by my experiences during COVID-19 lockdowns. Having already adapted to remote learning during that time, I was well-prepared for the shift to online education.”
“UCEM’s clear communication channels provided on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) facilitates interaction with both tutors and fellow students, creating a collaborative environment for us to learn in. The VLE has also made navigating course materials and accessing resources easy.”
I was never sure that ‘traditional’ university was right for me.”
Charlie isn’t alone in his assessment of the benefits of learning online.
When Elizabeth Field left sixth form, she was unsure whether the ‘traditional’ university route was right for her. After taking a gap year to consider her options, her eagerness to gain on-the-job experience drew her towards undertaking a degree apprenticeship.
“With my family’s business being construction consultancy, I naturally developed an interest in the built environment. After discussing future career options with them, they suggested I apply for the AECOM Apprenticeship Scheme.”
Elizabeth studied for her A-Levels during the pandemic, which meant that, like Charlie, she was already experienced with online education.
“The Student Hub provides study resources, academic help, and a platform to communicate with others. This has improved my experience and helps create a sense of community.”
“The support system at UCEM has been crucial in my growth and accomplishments as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor."
“Balancing day-to-day work with my studies can be challenging when you have deliverables with tight deadlines,” Elizabeth admitted. “I try to be proactive and engage early with assignments and module content when I can, but sometimes this can’t happen.”
“There’s definitely times where unexpected workload peaks have coincided with academic deadlines, which has tested my ability to prioritise effectively,” Charlie pointed out. However, both Charlie and Elizabeth pointed to the relationship between AECOM and UCEM as being pivotal to helping them manage busy periods.
“Having open lines of communication with my Apprenticeship Outcomes Officer (AOO) and my employer has enabled me to get through these times,” Elizabeth said.
Working and studying at the same time is the best way to learn
Like Charlie, Elizabeth was drawn to the ability to learn while she earned.
“Graduating debt-free was incredibly attractive, as I could earn a salary while working towards my degree, avoiding the burden of student loans.”
“My studies at UCEM align closely with my day-to-day role, providing me with a solid base of theoretical knowledge. This has allowed me to have a greater understanding of my role and adapt to new tasks as a Quantity Surveyor.”
Elizabeth also mentioned how hands-on assignments have equipped her with the skills she’s required to exhibit in her working hours.
“Assignments for modules like ‘Measurement and Quantification of Construction work’, have equipped me with the measurement skills I’ve needed in my role as a Quantity Surveyor.”
“The dual approach of academic learning and practical experience not only enhanced my understanding of the theory behind quantity surveying, but also helps me apply this to real world scenarios,” Charlie explained.
“The apprenticeship route has equipped me with valuable skills and set a solid foundation for my career."
An apprenticeship scheme can be just the start of the journey
It’s natural to wonder what happens after the apprenticeship is completed. For AECOM and its apprentices, though, the scheme is just the start of an ongoing journey in development.
“AECOM offers progression pathways and ongoing development opportunities for apprentices that demonstrate potential,” Frances explained.
“Many of our apprentices stay with us and continue their careers – whether that is being technically excellent or following leadership paths,” Sam added.
Charlie and Elizabeth have ambitions for the future. Both are naturally focused on the completion of their apprenticeship and, eventually, undertaking their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
“My short-term goals are to continue with my degree, which is due to finish July 2026,” Charlie told us. “Following this, I will be concentrating on acquiring my chartership through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) APC process.”
“I am keen to continue working on new and interesting projects to develop my skills as a Quantity Surveyor,” Elizabeth said.
“I can’t wait to continue growing in independence and responsibility.”
How to realise the potential of apprenticeship schemes
When asked what their advice would be to other businesses considering launching their own apprenticeship schemes, AECOM had a few pointers.
“Engage with the learning provider early and build good communication streams,” Sam said. “Ensure your teams are aware of the legal requirements, such as Off The Job learning, so that they can support the apprentice correctly.”
“Apprentices are full of potential, however at the start they will require more support than a graduate, so select line managers who are interested and willing and able to give their time.”
If you’d like to find out more about UCEM’s apprenticeship programmes and the different courses that are on offer, please visit our Apprenticeship homepage, or get in touch with our Business Development team.