At Wilkinson Cowan, we take pride in providing a learning environment where aspiring professionals can thrive and achieve their best. This National Apprenticeship Week we wanted to share the journey of our Apprentice Building Surveyor, Rhys who has shared his experience working with us.
Why did you choose Wilkinson Cowan for your apprenticeship?
Before joining Wilkinson Cowan (WCP), I researched extensively and was impressed by the range of opportunities the company offers and after working here, it has only confirmed my initial thoughts! During the interview process, I had some great conversations which highlighted how WCP apprentices gain invaluable experience by working closely with seasoned professionals and the daily exposure to real-world challenges in the construction industry was exactly what I was looking for.
What has been the highlight of your apprenticeship journey so far?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my apprenticeship has been witnessing the progress of construction projects over time. I find the process fascinating as every day there is something new to learn. Playing a role in creating photographic reports and even drafting my own has been particularly rewarding, as it reflects my progression and the knowledge I’ve gained from the professionals around me.
What does a day in the life at Wilkinson Cowan look like for an apprentice?
That’s a tough one to answer as no two days are the same at WCP! Most days, I’ve been on-site shadowing Gav, our Senior Surveyor, and inspecting building processes to ensure they’re executed correctly, identifying areas for improvement, and learning how to counteract any issues. I’ve also had the chance to attend meetings with Quantity Surveyors, participating in progress reviews and valuations. Each day is varied due to the range of projects which WCP is part of, which means that I am never short of learning opportunities.
What is the best advice you’ve received from your manager or colleagues?
Early on, I was advised to “be like a sponge” and to absorb as much knowledge as possible and to never hesitate to ask questions. This advice made a huge difference. Walking into a new workplace can be daunting but knowing that there are no “stupid” questions made me feel welcome and like I could step out of my comfort zone to learn and grow.
How have you grown during your time at Wilkinson Cowan so far?
Working at WCP has significantly improved my social and professional skills. I’ve become more confident in engaging with new people daily and asking questions, regardless of whether I’m unsure of the answers. I am now able to help with snagging and backchecking of properties using the correct terminology in the reports. I am specifically proud of this skill as coming to terms with the terminology was difficult at first! Just recently I have started drafting up photographic reports with help from both James (Associate Director) and Gavin (Senior Surveyor) which is testament to the supportive environment at WCP.
What is your favourite thing about being on the Wilkinson Cowan team?
My favourite part of working at WCP is being able to learn from my colleagues and other professionals in the industry. Their wealth of knowledge and willingness to share insights has been invaluable in helping me develop a broad understanding of the construction industry.
And of course, the social side of things is great – the works Christmas do was brilliant, and I loved being able to spend time with my colleagues outside of our normal working day.
We are really proud of Rhys and the incredible progress that he has made so far, his dedication and willingness to learn embodies the spirit of Wilkinson Cowan Partnership. We are excited to continue to support Rhys in becoming a confident and skilled professional who will shape the future of our industry.