About Aden
I am currently working as an assistant building surveyor in the property surveyors team.
I am in the 3rd year of a 4 year BSc Hons Building Surveying course.
What attracted you to studying an apprenticeship?
I liked the idea that I would have a structured training programme which gives me a chance to gain a qualification, while putting my skills in to practice and develop my knowledge whilst at work.
With the apprenticeship, I also have the chance to work alongside experienced professionals within my team, where I can ask for advice where needed.
Did you have any expectations of studying an apprenticeship, and if so, is it what you expected?
I guess I would say I was expecting a strict study programme. The apprenticeship allows you to study as flexibly as you wish.
Any time I have spare whether its evenings or weekend I can login to my study portal and download my study content for the week and push on.
What or who was your biggest influence when making the decision to study an apprenticeship?
The biggest influence was that I could develop in my current workplace and have the full support of my team and management.
What have been the most valuable skills you have learnt so far during your apprenticeship?
Interpersonal skills.
In my role we usually experience many different aspects of a business or trade, dealing with stakeholders, customers, clients and professionals each day.
Apprentices work alongside colleagues, clients, consultants, and lecturers all with different backgrounds.
So, with my role and the apprenticeship it is good to have the Interpersonal skills to listen, connect, learn and communicate.
How is your apprenticeship helping you build your knowledge and skills for the future?
I would say my apprenticeship is helping develop my technical knowledge. You require technical knowledge and a strong understanding of the trades you’re learning.
You develop technical knowledge during your apprenticeship when colleagues and specialists instruct you in different skills and demonstrate how to carry out various tasks.
To improve your technical knowledge, you might spend some of your time consolidating what you learn at work with theoretical reading and study.
What support are you receiving during your programme in relation to your studies?
My manager and team have supported me with my studies greatly. I have been loaned several annotated reference books which have been extremely useful to my studies.
We regularly discuss topics that have been bought up a lecture (hot topics for the moment would be sustainability and fabric first approach).
I have also received great support from various teams in BFC. I have been on several site inspections looking into complex constructions methods on one of Bracknell recent HRB developments.
What advice would you give to other staff considering an apprenticeship programme?
The best advice I could give, you are never too old to continue your studies and develop your knowledge to progress with your career and gain a qualification.
Some placements have bridging courses available, they offer you a chance to gain extra experience and settle you back into education.
Apprenticeship programmes are structured and flexible. You can study and work at the same time, gaining the on site, first-hand experience
More importantly BFC will fully support you with your studies.