At SDL Surveying we currently have four apprentices on our apprenticeship programme. The apprentices work amongst the SDL Surveying operations team four days a week at our head office in Nottinghamshire, and one day a week they attend Nottingham Trent University, to study for their Level 6 Chartered Surveyor (Real Estate) degree.
The apprenticeship programme lasts for five years, and throughout that period they gain practical experience by shadowing qualified surveyors.
Find out what our apprentices have to say about our programme…
Caitlin True – Third year apprentice
How did you get this opportunity?
I have always been interested in working rather than the thought of going to university full time. I left college and originally wanted to go travelling however, when the pandemic hit, I decided to go into full time work. After working in a local supermarket for a little while, I managed to secure a job as a Case Manager at SDL Surveying in 2021.
Shortly after joining, SDL launched an apprenticeship scheme for the first time. I decided to apply, as the thought of being able to continue earning while gaining a degree really appealed to me – it would be the best of both worlds!
Tell us more about your apprenticeship and your role at SDL Surveying?
I work at SDL Surveying four days a week, and once a week I go to university. The first two years of my apprenticeship I worked around all six departments within SDL Surveying, to get a holistic view of the company. I would then go out on the road with a qualified surveyor once a quarter.
I’m in my third year of the apprenticeship, and now that I have more knowledge of the company, I am now placed firmly on the Audit Team. The frequency of shadowing surveyors has now increased to once a month during university term time and increased to weekly outside of term time.
I have also had the opportunity to help our Change Team with software improvements for the surveyor’s iPad app. This involves me regularly updating the app to ensure it accurately reflects the latest instructions and regulations from our mortgage lender clients.
What has been your favourite part of the course so far?
It’s been great to have the experience of working across different departments in the first two years, as it has provided me with fantastic knowledge of the company. However, I currently really enjoy working with the Audit Team at the moment, as I learn so much and it complements my studies perfectly.
What is the best thing about being an apprentice?
Having access to higher education without having the burden of university course fees. What’s more, I am on a good salary while on this course, not just the standard apprenticeship wage or not earning as a full-time student. I’m incredibly grateful for that, as it’s enabled me to start saving for a deposit for a house!
Future plans and goals after completing your apprenticeship?
Once I complete my apprenticeship and my degree, I hope to work in my local area as a qualified surveyor. I would love to still be working at SDL Surveying in five years’ time, and possibly mentor future apprentices.
Would you recommend the apprenticeship route?
I would definitely recommend it! The combination of practical work experience and education is invaluable.
Do you have any advice for future apprentices?
Be brave, eager and proactive. Take advantage of the environment you’re in and ask as many questions as you can and do as much as you can.
Josh Grace – Second year apprentice
How did you get this opportunity?
I did some work experience with the Audit Team while I was at college as I did not know what I wanted to do for a career. I found the experience really interesting, so I kept in touch with SDL Surveying after my work experience ended.
After finishing my A-levels I managed to get a full-time job on the Audit Team. A few months after joining, an apprenticeship vacancy opened, so I applied, and I was fortunate enough to get the role.
What has been your favourite part of the course so far?
Meeting the other apprentices, not only the ones from SDL Surveying, but others on my university course. They all come with different experiences as they are in a variety of job roles and companies.
I also really enjoy the diversity of what we learn at university. We have a variety of guest speakers who are in the industry, which provides a rounded view of our various career prospects when we qualify. They also give tips on how to kick-start our careers within the industry.
What is the best thing about being an apprentice?
I will finish my course with both a degree and industry experience, providing a great advantage over those that have studied full-time, as I will have built up a range of industry experience throughout my five-year course.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far on the course?
I finished my first year of uni with a First. It gives you the confidence that you’re doing something right!
Future plans and goals after completing your apprenticeship?
I would like to stay working at SDL Surveying and apply for my MRICS status via RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and become a chartered surveyor – that’s my personal goal!
Once you have that MRICS status and maintain your CPD (Continuing Professional Development), you will always have a job anywhere in the world as RICS is world-renowned.
Would you recommend the apprenticeship route?
Yes 100% – it’s a no brainer! I don’t have any course fees as my degree is paid for as part of the scheme, I’m also getting paid a great wage, as SDL Surveying are a National Living Wage employer. So instead of losing money, I’m earning money.
Most importantly, after finishing the course not only will I have a degree, but I will have a guaranteed job at the end of it.
Do you have any advice for future apprentices?
Work experience is vital and can open doors and shows willingness to future employers.
You don’t always know what you want to do when you leave college. When I was in college I didn’t have a Scooby what I wanted to do! But two years later, I am working towards a degree and have a clear career path.
Think an apprenticeship would work for you? Get in touch here!
Or find out more about joining the SDL Surveying family via our careers page.