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
Having left college in 2018 after completing my A-levels, 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. I thought this apprenticeship would be the perfect opportunity to get myself onto the career ladder.
My role within the team
I began my journey at PMP as an Administrative Assistant while pursuing a BTEC Level 3 qualification at Halesowen College. The A-levels that I studied prior didn’t really match all of the requirements, so the foundational experience that the apprenticeship provided enabled me to hone my skills and understanding of business processes.
I have since 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 balance of work and play!
As didn’t have an A-level or equivalent in business or marketing, this apprenticeship meant that I was able to gain a qualification and the theoretical knowledge that went hand in hand with the broad set of skills I have and am continuing to gain here.
Advice to anybody thinking about completing an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are a brilliant opportunity to learn skills on the job whilst gaining a nationally recognized qualification.
My main piece of advice would be to make sure you’re taking full advantage of the resources around you. I am extremely lucky to be part of such a lovely and supportive team that is willing to help me learn and grow in the work environment (remember – there are no silly questions!).
I am grateful for the opportunities PMP has given me and am 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 as to my next steps. Rather than randomly choosing a degree I decided to wait and try find work, or at least an interest to specialise in. Whilst carrying out voluntary work, I met one of our directors. Through this meeting the opportunity of an apprenticeship with PMP was opened up to me. Following the initial gesture, I underwent a formal interview process, fortunately doing so successfully and my apprenticeship began. The quote “it’s not what you know but who you know” comes to mind, when considering how my apprenticeship opportunity came about!
My role within the team
My role has been one of constant development. Initial tasks were simple measurement and mathematical checks. As those skills developed, I was introduced to cost planning, estimating, bills of quantities and procurement. The next stage of development was found in post contract work, cost reporting, managing variations and project budgets. Whilst I developed in quantity surveying, I completed my diploma in Quantity Surveying, Assoc RICS, HNC in Quantity Surveying and, eventually, my BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying. My role is now very varied, dealing with both pre and post contract projects, all in which are varied in their level of design and unique in their challenges.
The best part about the apprenticeship
The best part is the people encountered on the journey. 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 to having the job. 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 collated from my time at 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 for an apprenticeship at PMP 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 academic education by doing one day a week at Birmingham City University for my degree in Quantity Surveying. I gained most of my knowledge in the office as well as valuable experience through practical tasks, learning from mistakes, and going on-site to see live projects. This experience has helped me to progress to an Assistant Quantity Surveyor role, where I am now providing more support to my colleagues and also being trusted to complete 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
