18 months later, we caught up with them to find out how they have been getting on, and why they would recommend an Apprenticeship to others forging careers within the industry.
Image: Lara (middle left) and Kelly (middle right) pictured with Commercial & Risk Management Director Graham Wright, and Project Operations Director Kirsty Tunes.
Lara Bird – Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship
Job title: Lead Project Co-ordinator
Joined Waldeck: September 2021
Office: Birmingham
Place of study: Institute of Technology, Dudley
Kelly Holpin – Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship
Job title: Project Co-ordinator
Joined Waldeck: May 2022
Office: Birmingham
Place of study: Institute of Technology, Dudley
Hi both! Please can you tell us why you chose an Apprenticeship to further your education?
Lara:
“I began working for Waldeck in September 2021 and had been taking on more roles and responsibilities within my Project Co-ordinator role for the Birmingham office.
“This in turn has led to the Senior Management Team asking Kelly Holpin and I if we would be interested in beginning our training in the field of Quantity Surveying to be able to offer a broader range of support to the Commercial & Risk Management team.
“This apprenticeship means I can still work and gain experience as well as gaining a qualification in Quantity Surveying, which will give me options in the future for further advancing my career!”
Kelly:
“An apprenticeship seemed like the most sensible way to further my education, having to support a family whilst training meant full time education was not an available option for me. With an apprenticeship I have the balance of being able to work and train at the same time.”
What have you enjoyed the most over the past 18 months?
Lara:
“Over the past 18 months, I have enjoyed gaining more knowledge and using this in my day-to-day work. My confidence is growing and I have passed every assignment set so far, which I feel is a great achievement!”
Kelly:
“During my apprenticeship journey, one of the most rewarding aspects has been the challenge of learning something new and gaining knowledge which I can then put into practice while working on projects.”
What have you found most challenging over the past 18 months?
Lara:
“Balancing College, researching for assignments and writing them along with being more involved in project based work in my job, whilst still looking after a family has been challenging at times, but also motivating, as the college side of things nears to an end. I will then be able (hopefully!) to move on to my end point assessment enabling me to take on more responsibilities in projects.”
Kelly:
“Juggling work, home and college has been a big adjustment, especially as I continue to take on more of a project-based role, but it is also very rewarding and has definitely been worth the effort.”
Why would you recommend an apprenticeship to others looking to progress their careers?
Lara:
“My confidence is growing and I am enjoying the challenge of learning in a college environment again. As this style of learning means I can work at the same time, I would definitely recommend this approach for others looking to gain extra qualifications.”
Kelly:
“I would yes, I think learning on the job helps with your knowledge when you are at college and visa versa so I will (hopefully) progress quicker than I would have if I was in full time education.”
What career aspirations do you have for 5 years’ time?
Lara:
“In 5 years’ time, I would like to have the qualifications to progress my career as far as an Apprenticeship can take me, I’m looking forward to the challenge, and am grateful for the opportunity to do so!”
Kelly:
“I am no Richard Branson! I would like to feel that in 5 years’ time I will have some qualifications and will be confidently progressing. I am very thankful for the opportunity.”
Waldeck’s Project Operations Director, Kirsty Tune, shared:
“Over the last 18 months, both Lara and Kelly have progressed considerably well within both their academic and professional journeys. Both are now working primarily on project related work and gaining a hands-on approach to their academic learning. Both have grown in confidence and understanding of the sector and are now passing on their knowledge to other junior members of the team.
“At times, the juggle between work, education and a home life balance has been hard, but both have worked tirelessly to meet all deadlines and hopefully have fun along the way too!
“Both Lara and Kelly are assets to our team and just prove that changing your career path at anytime is achievable! I’m looking forward to seeing what the next year brings for them!”