I would say this is one of best apprenticeship programme on offer to young people. Surveying is such as diverse profession and one which allows you to specialise in an array of areas. Because it’s a professional training it provides the opportunity for strong earning power and the flexibility to work in different locations. I really feel like I am investing in a career with an exciting future.

Background Information
Name: Zane-Pierre Antoine
Title: Trainee Building Surveyor
Age 20
Firm: Rickard Partnership
Date of expected qualification: 2011

Case Study Questions
1. Please outline what your job role entails & what your responsibilities are
As a Trainee Building Surveyor my job involves identifying defects within existing buildings as well as providing solutions for these defects. I am also required to project manage and undertake design work, with guidance provided by my supervisor.

2. What made you decide to apply to CSTT?
I was always interested by the possibility of being able to earn and learn at the same time. In a profession were experience counts for as much as your qualifications, I was keen to look at an alternative to full time learning. The CSTT Apprenticeship scheme was able to allow me to do this. I currently spend four days per week with my employer, Rikard Partnership and one day per week at college.

3. Did you have any previous experience of the Surveying industry? (eg… work experience, family involved in the profession)?

I didn’t have any previous experience within the surveying industry. However, property, building design and construction has always been something that has appealed to me and which led me to apply to CSTT.

4. What advice would you have for a young person who may be contemplating the Trust’s apprenticeship route?

I would say this is one of best apprenticeship programme on offer to young people. Surveying is such as diverse profession and one which allows you to specialise in an array of areas. Because is a professional training it provides the opportunity for strong earning power and the flexibility to work in different locations. I really feel like I am investing in a career with an exciting future.

5. What are the best and the worst parts of your job and why?

“The best part of my job is when I am conducting site visits. It is always exciting when seeing something that you have been involved with from design specification comes to life.”

Being able to see the progress week after week is a great feeling!

If I were to outline the part of my job I favour the least, it would possibly be modifying contracts. It can be very time consuming and not very exciting at the best of times. But it is all part of the job.

6. Please outline any projects you have been involved in?

Our firm mainly deals with residential properties and schools. The jobs I am currently involved with include sound proofing works for a range of properties owned by a Housing Association, design work and project management for a private client which includes internal alterations and the construction of a rear extension. I have also recently been involved in the construction of small buildingsfor a school.

7. How do you find holding down a full time job and studying at the same time? How do you go about organising your responsibilities?

At first it was daunting, as I had never worked a 9 to 5 office before, let alone being expected to produce college work on top of this! Generally I do all my college work at the weekends, however dependent upon the amount of work that needs to be completed, I do sometimes I stay behind and work late to ensure that I hit my deadlines.

8. Where do you envisage yourself to be in 10 years time?

Within 10 years time I wish to be a Charted Building Surveyor and a significant member of a large surveying firm that is recognised worldwide.