The path from A-Levels to construction project management

“I wanted to make sure I still felt immersed within a university and still felt completely part of something. UCEM is able to provide that – I feel completely supported."…

A hairdresser-turned-surveyor with a passion for getting girls into construction

“If I went into a bar and said to someone, ‘can you guess my job?’ I can guarantee you even on 10 guesses they're not getting it right”. Name: Courtney…

The power of perseverance: turning disappointing A-levels into apprenticeship success

Like many young people, Querida Matondo heard about apprenticeships not through school, but by knowing someone who’d been through the experience: in this case, her sister. Name: Querida Matondo Company:…

From work experience to HS2: Taran’s apprenticeship journey with Arcadis

Taran’s path to his quantity surveying degree apprenticeship began six years ago when he secured work experience at Arcadis: the same company that now employs him. Name: Taran Barard Company:…

Quadrupling the Savills apprentice headcount: 226 and counting

“My manager always says I don’t blow my trumpet enough, but I feel lucky to be doing something that I truly love, and I just want to make a difference…

Proving why parents don’t need to choose between working, studying and having children

“The fact that I've been able to have a baby in the middle of doing all of this is remarkable!" Name: Jennifer Willis Company: VOA For Jennifer Willis, apprenticeships run in…

Growing hundreds of new Government employees at the VOA

Angie Leggett sat down with UCEM to discuss her role supporting 450 apprentices at the Valuation Office Agency - 250 of which are enrolled with UCEM. Name: Angie Leggett Job…

100 million-dollar fighter jets and American food: an MOD apprenticeship

Christopher's journey to becoming a Project Manager Apprentice with the Ministry of Defence showcases the breadth of opportunities available in the built environment. Name: Christopher Allen Job role: Project Manager…

“An opportunity on a plate”: studying for a Master’s degree apprenticeship

Rachel Harwood, Project Manager for South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, is continuing her love of learning and education with UCEM for her second degree. Name: Rachel Harwood Job role:…

Two award nominations – with a neurodiversity diagnosis in-between

Toby Vowels, Assistant Building Surveyor at Rider Levett Bucknall, hasn't looked back since shifting to a career in building surveying and overcoming a serious back injury. Name: Toby Vowels Job…

10 common apprenticeship scheme myths, debunked

We’ve teamed up with national property consultancy Vail Williams LLP to explore some of the common myths and misconceptions about the apprenticeship route. By Tanya Horscroft, Learning & Development Manager…

Forty apprentices and counting

Mark Winsor, Talent and Development Manager at Lambert Smith Hampton, believes younger generations will play a crucial part in helping the built environment overcome the challenges of sustainability, diversity and…