Apprentice Surveyor Review

On a day-to-day basis I undertake valuation work alongside agency, consultancy and strategic. I work within a small team of seven in the Development sector and assist with the valuations of commercial and residential properties as well as the sale of development sites. My work ranges across Devon and Cornwall and covers a wide range of properties.

Whilst working at Savills I have developed my confidence, telephone skills and my ability to network with both new and existing clients and fellow employees. I have also developed my general word and excel knowledge and have learnt how to use appraisal software such as Argus Developer which is useful for the valuations.

I thoroughly enjoy the apprenticeship programme at Savills. It has been great to work alongside a range of colleagues in varying departments and learn from a wide variety of people who are at various different stages in their careers. Over the last three years, I have developed my understanding of the property industry and grown my client base.

At Savills, the programme has two sections to its structure. One side is coordinated by Savills, which is run well and efficiently and is continuing to grow and progress. The other side of the programme is run by the University College of Estate Management, who operate the distance learning degree that I complete alongside working full time.

Savills have provide a wide range of support over the past few years of my apprenticeship. Although there is always room to grow, Savills have listened to feedback and assisted in all areas of the programme and provided help and guidance whenever it was needed. Over the course of the pandemic, Savills ensure the apprenticeship scheme ran smoothly and kept in contact with many of the apprentices business wide.

UCEM allocate Savills apprentices with and Apprentice Outcomes Officer. They bridge the gap between Savills and UCEM and provide helpful feedback and support where necessary. The degree itself is well structured and as I have progressed through the years, I have found the university module to be more applicable to my day to day role. Although the AOO's do provide support and hold regular meetings every 10-12 weeks, I feel that there is some variation between the support we receive from our module tutors.

As I have progressed through my apprenticeship over the last three years, I have found a greater relevance between the university modules and the day-to-day work at Savills. The university has provided the foundations of knowledge through the online modules which have been useful in the workplace and allowed me to build on my knowledge.

At Savills there are plenty of regional and nation events that take place. These range from rugby matches to social events, client and employee networking and even the odd Black Tie ball! There are also Christmas lunches and summer parties alongside bake sales, walks, bike rides, rounder's and much more.

Yes

Savills is a well versed company that provides ample opportunities in a wide range of sectors. There is a good balance between work and social life as well as a strong encouragement for growth and development. At Savills I have grown my confidence both as a surveyor and a person.

My main advice would be to do your research - not just around your office and job role you're applying for but Savills as a company too. It is beneficial to have a broad understanding of what Savills have to offer and the positive impacts and chnages it is trying to make within the property industry. Savills produces a lot of research information, so make sure you take to Google and have a look at what we produce.