Since starting his apprenticeship at Level 4 at Norse’s NPS Leeds, Rory Wollaston has worked hard to become a Quantity Surveyor and has been rewarded with a string of successes.
Now, in his role as an apprentice Quantity Surveyor, he not only takes on work such as helping others in the team, but he also has his own jobs to concentrate on.
And at the moment, for example, he is focusing on his own projects to fully refurbish two children’s homes in Leeds.
In the next couple of years, Rory hopes to complete his degree then proceed with his Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.
Here he shines a light on what it is like to be an apprentice at Norse:
Why did you choose to complete an apprenticeship?
I chose to do an apprenticeship during my Level 3 course at Leeds College of Building (LCB). I realised it would allow me to work and earn a wage while also learning on the job. I thought this was more beneficial then going to university full time and not having a real-life, working knowledge of Quantity Surveying.
What has been the biggest benefit of your apprenticeship?
I think the biggest benefit of an apprenticeship is the on-the-job training. I think it allows you to learn a lot more than you might otherwise pick up just from books and lectures at university.
Of course, we study too on an apprenticeship, but the real-world experience we gain while working is invaluable.
What has been the highlight of the apprenticeship for you?
I would say the most enjoyable part of the apprenticeship process has been working on different projects and discovering just how different the challenges on each are. It makes every day different and enjoyable.
Were you well supported throughout?
Yes. When Covid-19 occurred, there were all sorts of different things that it affected, and it was challenging for everyone.
We faced issues we had to overcome with lots of our projects, but the Quantity Surveying department all pulled together and helped each other to complete tasks.
What advice would you give to someone else considering an apprenticeship?
I would recommend an apprenticeship – it allows you to earn while you learn and to gain far more in actual job experience than by study alone.
Sum up your apprenticeship experience in three words:
Beneficial, fun, enjoyable.
