Ryan Borkowski from NPS South West reveals how his apprenticeship experience has helped him continue to develop and progress in his career.
Many of our most talented staff started their careers as apprentices, and at Norse, we are continuing to help kick-start and develop careers through apprenticeship programmes.
Assistant Building Surveyor, Ryan Borkowski, got his first taste of life with our team at NPS when he completed work experience at our Exeter office in 2016.
At the time, he was studying at school and considering a career in architecture. However, while working with the team, he soon developed an interest in building surveying.
And after completing his work experience, Ryan was soon offered a position as an apprentice surveyor within the maintenance and minor works team at NPS South West.
Here, he reveals how his apprenticeship experience has helped him continue to develop and progress in his career:
What have been the biggest benefits of following the apprenticeship route?
I am a real advocate for apprenticeships, as they unlock so many great opportunities. So much so, in fact, that I’m currently completing my second one!
After completing my Level 3 NVQ in Building Surveying in 2019, I am now on the path to complete a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, which I started as soon as I finished my previous programme.
Being able to apply workplace learning into practice is one of the most positive aspects of completing an apprenticeship, particularly when you’re exposed to so many exciting projects.
I learnt so much initially by working with and shadowing experienced surveyors and interacting with clients and other stakeholders.
It also helps to gives you more confidence, particularly when you’re given responsibility for producing work and attending site visits.
How have you been able to put the skills you’ve learnt on your apprenticeship into practice?
Learning from the team has enabled me to take on more of my own workload and gradually become more self-sufficient.
For example, by shadowing and watching other surveyors, I have learned how to identify different building defects, and come up with design solutions myself to correct the issues.
Developing in a professional environment has also allowed me to be given freedom to work in a client facing role and be accountable for my own work.
What other highlights have there been along the way?
It was very satisfying when I was first given a job to run from inception to completion. Most notably, my first significant project involved an £80,000 internal refurbishment scheme in an education setting, which remained in operation throughout.
I was well supported by the team along the way, but being able to lead the job gave be great confidence and satisfaction at the completion of the works.
And that support has also been true whenever I have had to juggle study requirements with work, being able to take additional time out to focus on my studies if needed.
What are your future ambitions after completing your latest degree?
I still have a few years left to go with my degree, which I am set to complete in August 2024.
However, I would love to continue to progress and eventually become chartered with the company.
What advice would you give to anyone considering undertaking an apprenticeship?
Be prepared to work hard, but if it is a career you are certain about, it is a very good way of learning.
Real experience is invaluable and will help with your studies.
Apprenticeships also build a level of responsibility very early in your career, providing a great platform to push on from.
Sum up your apprenticeship experience in three words
Positive, invaluable experience.
