Junior Consultant Review

I work within the property team on behalf of a local authority, managing the client's vast commercial property portfolio. I conduct regular asset valuations, leases, lease renewals, licenses of various types, disposals, acquisitions as well as general public enquiries. I work 5 days per week with 1 study day.

I had not worked within an office role previously to starting my apprenticeship therefore I have learnt a vast range of skills since starting out, from the very basics such as developing a professioanl communication style, speaking on the phone and liaising with colleagues. From a more technical point of view, the modules I havd undertaken with UCEM have developed my understanding of various elements of Surveying practices including valuation, property management, general economics, development appraisal, sustainability.

I have enjoyed the programme although I have also found it difficult. Content and reading materials were provided on a weekly basis and the volume of this was difficult to keep on top of. I soon had to learn to prioritize which materials were relevant to assignments in order to reduce working hours whilst still completing assignments to a good standard. I sometimes found it difficult to break away from office responsibilities to concentrate on uni work. Overall, I am pleased that I managed to complete the apprenticeship at a level I was proud of. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to others (providing you're willing to put the work in).

I found that the UCEM structure was really clear, having a specific number of tasks to complete each week on a given subject. My work in the office was probably less structured. The first 2 years of the apprenticeship were still quite admin bases even though I had enrolled onto the Surveying apprenticeship 24 months prior. This meant I was not getting the experience I needed and had to request to be given more relevant Surveying tasks in order to progress. My manager was extremely supportive however was not a Surveyor so often had to try to seek support from elsewhere. I think I would have benefitted from regulars catchup meetings with a senior member of the team to discuss jobs etc as I often felt quite isolated especially during Covid. I think this period did have an affect on my ability to learn and progress.

I was always able to have my 1 day study leave per week and was offered additional time if needed around submission deadlines. In terms of work, I think I would have benefitted from more regular catchup meetings with a senior member of the team to discuss jobs etc as I often felt quite isolated especially during Covid. This made it difficult to seek assistance on work especially when colleagues are busy with their own workloads. I think it would have been good to have more opportunity to shadow senior colleagues on jobs and provide assistance and support on jobs initially, before trying to take on my own jobs from scratch. Following completion of the degree, I was informed by the Careers team that I had to sit my APC as soon as possible, and my input/view on this was not really considered. This lead me to feel quite stressed and it hadn't been made completely clear to me that I would not have a choice to defer the apc at the start of the scheme. I think the fact Covid impacted our abilities to work in the office for 2 years should have been taken in to account really, and apprentices should have been provided an additional 12 months (if needed) to sit the APC.

I was permitted 1 day study leave per week and was always able to take an additional half day around submission deadlines if required. My team were really supportive and keen to help where they could. Again, as mentioned above, I think more support could be given when it comes to APC preparation. I think apprentices should be given the opportunity to defer for at least 12 months considering the impact of Covid 19.

I learnt the majority of my knowledge through the course hosted by UCEM. I found all of the modules interesting and relevant. I particularly liked the learning materials which I could save to my own drive for future use and referral as it is difficult to retain such a vast amount of information long term. I refer to this regularly. I also particularly enjoyed the live webinars as I found the explanations of more difficult topics easier to digest.

I am part of the office social committee and enjoy arranging quarterly social events for my team to get together. I try to attend all of these. I also stepped in as the office charity ambassador during a colleague's maternity leave. I also try to attend apprenticeship networking events where I can. I think there could be more of these. I have not received invites for any graduate events but I think it would be beneficial if the early careers team could pass these on to us.

Yes

Arcadis colleagues are extremely supportive and I have enjoyed my role working alongside my team. Arcadis are prepared to fund the apprenticeship programme which is a huge bonus and means you don't accumulate student debt, like you would at standard university. I think apprenticeship salaries are quite fair especially in comparison to other apprenticeship jobs.

Be prepared to work hard and ask questions. I feel like a lot of learning is self led and you have to find the support yourself. Don't be afraid to ask questions and arrange calls, conversations, meetings with colleagues for guidance. Be prepared to put the hours in in order to get through the uni content. Read the assignment brief as early as you can and note what topics it covers and prioritize those week's of content. Otherwise its easy to get bogged down in endless chapters of a textbook which becomes difficult to retain and sustain!