Property Management Apprentice Review

I am a 3rd tear apprentice based in the London Retail Management team with a main focus of managing various shopping centres across the U.K. I will liaise with both tenants, the onsite management team, and the client to ensure that all parties are satisfied with the overall management and day to day operations of the centre. I am also involved with the management of one high street asset and a Central London office space giving me a variety of exposure across the property industry.

Without question I have developed in all aspects of working persona, I am now more confident on the computer, when communicating with all key stakeholders, producing reports, at attending/presenting in a meeting based environment. I have also become more confident when networking with members of other property and client side firms.

I am thoroughly enjoying working as an apprentice at Savills, I am given the necessary support to assist me in both my role and my studies towards achieving a BSc Honours in Real Estate Management at the University College of Estate Management. I am also rewarded for my efforts by the inclusion of various client events in which I also obtain the opportunity to network with clients and often others who have enrolled on the same programme as me.

In the first year there was some teething issues as it was the first time that Savills had enrolled an apprentice in the UCEM programme, all previous apprentices had studied via a physical university. There was also some structure issues as it took me 2 years to realise that there were over 25 apprentices based in various Savills across the UK.

All members of the team are supportive in both my day to day work as well as weekly study sessions. I will not hesitate to ask any questions in regards to work or study and am very grateful for the support I am given in the team. I have previously faced work load issues and have been able to speak to my line manager and team leader in order to rectify the issues I have faced

The concept of the online degree is challenging when responsibilities in the team grow, especially due to the fact that assignments and exams usually surround the quarter days which are my busiest times for both meetings and quarterly reports. The time needed to study the weekly material always requires far more than one day per week which spills into evenings and weekend. The training provider is not the easiest to contact and if I am unable to attend webinars I will have to wait up to 7 days for responses to my queries.

The majority of my apprenticeship topics relate directly to my role for example law; development, planning, finance, and economics. Although often real life situations develop and conclude differently to how they are described in the text books I feel that I have definitely benefited my knowledge at work by the study materials provided.

Yes, there is a wealth of social activities that take place in the office or close by as well as some more distant events that I am invited to attend. I am involved in 3 different sports teams within Savills and have found this a great way to meet other people in the business.

Yes

Savills are a fantastic employer who I would recommend any friend to apply for the apprenticeship scheme. Although Savills recruit fewer apprentices on an annual basis I feel that far more time and attention is given to each individual who is therefore given a better opportunity to grow into their role. I am well rewarded for my effort in the form of discretionary bonus, invitation to various client and industry events, alongside team socialising.

Do not be who you feel the employer wants you to be, if possible attempt to gain some relevant work experience in the industry as this allows you to bring a more knowledgeable discussion to interview. Clearly present your achievements on your CV as this is what the company will like to see, keep up to date with Savills news and were possible bring some facts into the interview as it shows you are engaged in the market and the business.