Evie Marsden is a Quantity Surveyor higher and degree apprentice, she talks about her experience on the programme whilst being employed at Kier.

“As part of my apprenticeship I am the commercial lead on the Hucknall Leisure Centre project. Whilst it’s very challenging I’ve really enjoyed it, it’s given me the opportunity to put all of my learning into practice as I am responsible for the project commercially.

“The project involves constructing an extension to a live leisure centre to provide a new learner swimming pool. When work becomes difficult, it’s great to be able to think about the benefits people will have as a consequence of the finished building and your contribution to it.

“The complexity of building a swimming pool makes the project challenging but keeps it interesting and ensures everyone on the team is always learning.

“I’ve previously studied a mathematics degree at university, and now I’m studying on the degree apprenticeship, so have an insight into the differences in both of these routes.

“My maths degree shows I have knowledge in that area. However, my degree apprenticeship not only shows I have the knowledge of the subject area, but I also have the skills and behaviours to carry out the role appropriately. I have demonstrated that to my employer for over three years now and continue to develop. 

“There is also the most obvious benefit of the apprenticeship being the lack of student loan and the salary earned whilst studying and working. I do believe both routes have their benefits. The traditional degree route allowed me to gain confidence and independence by moving away, and the apprenticeship is helping shape me to suit my role. I think schools could do more to encourage and celebrate vocational routes the same way they do with academic ones.

“The main challenge I’ve faced during my apprenticeship is being a young female in the construction industry. I’ve found when working with new people I have to work a little harder than my peers to be listened to and taken seriously. I do believe this is something that is improving but more progress needs to be made. 
 
“My apprenticeship has helped me overcome this barrier. It has given me confidence in my ability so I can work in a team where I’m both the youngest person and only female and not feel that this is a disadvantage in any way.
 
“One of the benefits of my degree apprenticeship is that I’m going to gain a degree, with no associated costs, whilst also gaining valuable industry experience and the skills required to be a successful Quantity Surveyor. 

“Once I have completed my apprenticeship I will have a degree, almost four years industry experience and will have been the commercial lead on a project – amazing considering I had no industry experience prior.”

“I’m able to learn from colleagues and peers on the degree apprenticeship programme who are working in different areas of the business – this is something students going straight to university will miss out on.

“I wish to continue my development and manage more construction projects. I hope to work my way towards being a Commercial Manager and manage a team of Quantity Surveyors.”