In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, PMP interviewed three members of our amazing team to talk about each of their unique journeys!
HANNAH’S APPRENTICESHIP JOURNEY:
How I found out about the apprenticeship
After leaving college in 2018, I was undecided on the career I wanted to pursue. At the time I had just started a job working in retail and stumbled across the apprenticeship on Indeed, which I thought would be the perfect opportunity to get myself onto the career ladder.
My role within the team
I started at PMP as an Apprentice Administrative Assistant while completing a BTEC Level 3 at Halesowen College, giving me the foundational experience to hone my skills and understanding of business processes.
Since then, I’ve progressed to the role of Office Manager and Bid Manager, where I am responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the company’s day-to-day activities, as well as driving business growth by actively seeking and securing new projects and frameworks, and preparing compelling bid submissions alongside the team.
The best part about the apprenticeship
The best part about the apprenticeship was that I was able to gain practical experience, and transferable skills, while also earning a salary. It’s an amazing opportunity for young professionals to study, and work, without the full-time commitment of university – a perfect work-life balance!
Advice to anybody thinking about completing an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are a brilliant opportunity to learn skills on the job whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification.
My main piece of advice would be to take full advantage of the resources around you. I’m lucky to be part of a lovely team that continuously helping me learn and grow my career (and remember – there are no silly questions!). I’m excited to see where my role will continue to take me in the future.
JACOB’S APPRENTICESHIP JOURNEY:
How I found out about the apprenticeship
Upon completion of sixth form, I was uncertain of my next steps. Rather than randomly choosing a degree I decided to wait and find work, or at least an interest to specialise in. Whilst carrying out voluntary work, I met one of our directors, who offered me an apprenticeship. Following then, I had a formal interview, and successfully landed the apprenticeship. The quote “it’s not what you know but who you know” comes to mind!
My role within the team
My role has been constantly developing, with initial tasks being simple measurement and mathematical checks, moving onto cost planning, estimating, and procurement. Later on, I took on more post contract work; cost reporting, managing variations and project budgets, while completing a diploma in Quantity Surveying, Assoc RICS, HNC in Quantity Surveying and, eventually, my BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying. My role is now more complex, working on a variety of projects with unique designs and challenges.
The best part about the apprenticeship
The best part about the job is definitely the people! Friendships that aided the study and full-time work process. A very difficult balance, at times feeling like you have two jobs, but made manageable with like-minded people around you, helping where they can.
Advice to anybody thinking about completing an apprenticeship
My advice is always apprenticeship over studying in isolation. Transferable skills are mainly from the workplace into the study environment, rather than the other way around. It’s fair to say without the knowledge and experience I obtained from PMP, I would not have been as successful as I have been, in my private study.
HARRY’S APPRENTICESHIP JOURNEY:
How I found out about the apprenticeship
I found out about the opportunity through contacts at the company, which ended up leading to an interview in August 2023, shortly after finishing my education at college. Thankfully, I was offered the job shortly after the interview and began working at PMP in September 2023.
My role within the team
I joined as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, continuing my degree in quantity surveying once a week at Birmingham City University. I gained most of my knowledge in the office through practical tasks, making and learning from mistakes, and attending sites to see live projects from start to finish. This experience has helped me to progress to an Assistant Quantity Surveyor role, where I am now providing more support, and completing more challenging tasks on my own.
The best part about the apprenticeship
I enjoy my apprenticeship and look forward to going to work every day, knowing I am going to learn and progress further, while also being given the support I need. It is also nice to have a ‘break’ in the ‘working week’, when I go to university, which offers a new environment and a different type of learning than in the office – both being equally as important!
Advice to anybody thinking about completing an apprenticeship
I think apprenticeships are one of the best routes to go down, as you gain valuable on-the-job experience, all while being paid and continuing your academic learning. After my first interview at PMP, I knew I would enjoy it and this first year and a half has outgrown my expectations. I am grateful for the opportunity I was given and the trust shown in me to represent the company. I am excited to continue my progression in quantity surveying, and most importantly, enjoying my time at PMP, and I am looking forward to seeing where I will be in another year and a half!
For more info on National Apprenticeship Week 2025, click here
Written by: Hannah O’Neill
