This week we are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week. An annual event that shines a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Every day this week we’ll be focusing on some of the apprentices at Montagu Evans, and looking at what their apprenticeship has meant to them, and their advice for someone looking to complete one in the future.

How do you think the apprenticeship has benefited you?

After six months the benefits of working as an Apprentice have already become clear. The opportunity to work alongside, and learn from, several industry leaders on a day-to-day basis has already allowed me to gain a strong and diverse understanding of the property sector in a short period of time. Additionally, working in an office environment from a young age has enabled me to develop various professional skills that certainly wouldn’t be picked up from pursuing university full-time.

Has it met your expectations?

It has exceeded my expectations!

What has been the highlight so far?

Working within such a fantastic, friendly, and sociable Rating team has helped me to feel especially welcome in my first seat.

The facilities at St Mary Axe are also amazing!

Do you have a piece of advice for someone considering an Apprenticeship?

Although the idea of entering full-time professional industry at a young age may be daunting, the advantages of choosing an Apprenticeship are clear to see and I would strongly recommend anyone to give it a go!

How do you think the apprenticeship has benefited you

Gaining industry experience, exposure to colleagues and clients.
Having more resources for help with university work.
Building relationships at an early stage.
Attending special events and meetings.
Gain a better understanding of real estate as a whole.
Having a routine, which is often overlooked when you are a full-time university student.

Learning the theory at university and putting it into practice in the workplace.

Has it met your expectations?

Yes- the workplace has been flexible, varied and challenging. Whilst being introduced to a variety of projects, I have been ‘thrown in the deep end’ with appropriate guidance to both challenge me yet make me feel confident enough to complete. I learn from every piece of feedback I get and feel as though I am progressing from it. I have a very supportive team, and they have arranged great nights out!

What has been the highlight so far?

Attending site visits to see some interesting buildings, and seeing their potential.
Meeting clients/apprentices from other firms.

Forming good relationships both in and outside of the office.

Do you have a piece of advice for someone considering an Apprenticeship?

Say yes to everything you are offered which will benefit your career, and to get a wide range of experience. Also, always ask for feedback and put yourself out there and forward as much as you can.

How do you think the apprenticeship has benefited you?

It’s helped me put practice to theory. Being looked after by my seniors, being set projects, and getting to meet deadlines has really made me step out of my comfort zone, out of the classroom environment and given me invaluable experience in the workplace.

Has it met your expectations?

Absolutely, I have grown a lot as a designer and a problem solver during my apprenticeship so far.

What has been the highlight so far?

I created a set of iconography according to the company’s brand and a PowerPoint pitch deck. Alongside that I also redesigned the format and layout of the company’s internal newsletter!

Do you have a piece of advice for someone considering an Apprenticeship?

Make sure you choose a field you are actually drawn to before you apply, be willing to learn, make mistakes and humble yourself, make the most out of your apprenticeship experience, and lastly, because apprenticeships are somewhat new and not quite taken seriously in all households and by all parents, if you really want to follow a career path you are passionate about, do it regardless of the pushback you receive.

How do you think the apprenticeship has benefited you?

Firstly, I would say that the apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of the real estate industry. Seeing all the different departments at Monty’s and all the different jobs people do has broadened my horizon of surveying. Furthermore, the environment that this apprenticeship is placed in has assured me that I will be able to grow, learn and develop over the next couple of years, even after my apprenticeship has ended. Overall, I feel that this apprenticeship has benefitted me massively and I hope to see and gain more of these benefits over the next couple of years.

Has it met your expectations?

Honestly, I feel that this apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations. One of the main factors being the culture here at Monty’s. Within the first couple of weeks, it felt quite easy to settle in as every person I met was incredibly friendly. The fact that I was able to be around some of the most senior members of the firm and have the chance to talk to them and see them on a regular basis was something which I really appreciated. It was nice knowing that people wanted you here and were willing to help and give any sort of advice whenever you needed it. Additionally, the organisation of the firm has been something which has impressed me a lot. The system that has been put in place to ensure people are not overloaded with work and are able to meet deadlines has stood out to me and shown me how great Montagu Evans can function as a team.

What has been the highlight so far?

In my opinion, the biggest highlight so far is the time spent towards team building. I think the company is doing a tremendous job in organising events so people from all over the firm can meet each other and build close relationships with their colleagues. This certainly helps with working on all sorts of different projects as you’re able communicate with your colleagues in an efficient and enjoyable way.

Do you have a piece of advice for someone considering an Apprenticeship?

My biggest piece of advice for someone considering an apprenticeship would be to understand the roles they’re applying for. From someone who had minimal experience working in the corporate world it is important that you understand what you will be doing on a regular basis and how much work you will be expected to do. Also, researching the culture of the company and having an idea of what the atmosphere would be like is a must when considering applying for apprenticeships. Ultimately, paying attention to these things would determine whether you’ll enjoy the apprenticeship, and I was fortunate that I held these things in such high regard as it hugely paid off. I was incredibly lucky, to be offered a role here at Montagu Evans and be at a company which has been recognised and commended for caring about the career progress and comfortability of all their employees.