Balancing work, study and life we catch up with three of our apprentices to ask them a few questions about their apprenticeships.
Zavier and Ben are studying Building Control Surveying at the University of Westminster, this is their first year! Liam is studying Business Management at the University of Hertfordshire, he’s halfway through his second year.
Why is Building Control a great career choice?
Zavier – Building Control is an exciting career which has opportunities for everyone regardless of background and experience. The incorporation of both office-based and on-site roles provides a variety of day-to-day tasks and challenges which can be rewarding when successful. The learning never stops as regulations continuously update, frequent CPD training sessions are available and University courses are in place to aid development and progression.
Ben – Building control is a great career choice because it allows you to do part of the job in the office and part on-site, which is a good variety. You’ll never be bored; there’s always plenty to do and the company gives you the opportunity to expand on your knowledge by offering in-house training as well as our University led course.
What do you most enjoy about your current role? Can you describe something specific that you are enjoying working on at the moment?
Zavier – I enjoy being out on site where I gain first-hand experience through watching a project develop. I interact with builders and ask questions which enhances my understanding of a project. Following the training and guidance from my mentor, I’m slowly beginning to take lead on some inspections. This is great for my confidence and development as I progress through my career.
Ben – The thing I enjoy most about my current role is learning about all the technical principles behind the guidance and being able to apply that to the regulations when checking plans or doing inspections.
Liam – I enjoy the split between work and study, it can be challenging to balance work and University. I have also recently finished a Level 3 technical course which enhances my knowledge of building control! I’ve enjoyed having to use time management skills to balance everything out.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining the apprenticeship programme?
Zavier – Definitely go ahead with it, there aren’t many companies who would invest as much time and effort as HBC in supporting your development. Be ready to work hard, stay organised and never give up.
Ben – My advice to someone who is thinking about joining the apprenticeship programme is definitely go for it. It will allow you to learn while earning and by the end of it, you will be well experienced and straight into a great job.
Liam – Go for it. It builds maturity when you work alongside doing your degree. I believe that this will help me in the future of my career.
Just for fun. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?!
Zavier – It would have to be a Nandos, you can’t go wrong with a medium ½ chicken!
Ben – Lasagne! There’s just something about the way it’s constructed…
Liam – It would have to be a Roast Dinner 😊
