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Find out moreAn Interview with an Apprentice
G&T is proud to have led the Trailblazer group for Apprenticeships in Surveying and welcomed individuals to the firm through this new route into the profession. As part of National Apprenticeships Week we hear from G&T's Bradley Szreider about his experience of starting his career at G&T as an Apprentice...
Tell us a bit about how you started your career:
"I joined the Early Experience Programme at Gardiner & Theobald as an Apprentice in 2016. Since then I have progressed to the firm’s Chartership Programme, a training initiative which provides a pathway for individuals at all levels to enter the profession. I’m also currently studying part-time at London South Bank University for an undergraduate degree in Quantity Surveying, while also working towards achieving MRICS status in November 2020.
I started my career at G&T assisting with projects and supporting senior colleagues. During this period I developed my knowledge and understanding of the day-to-day role of a QS as well as my own technical knowledge. I was then trusted to manage the day to day running of projects."
What attracted you to surveying?
"I have always had an interest in construction and a career in surveying provided me with the opportunity to be involved in a range of interesting projects, while exploiting my strength with numbers."Bradley Szreider
G&T Apprentice
Why did you choose to take an apprenticeship?
"While at sixth form, I felt the best pathway for me to learn was via an apprenticeship as it provided me with the opportunity to work and learn at the same time.
From my experience I believe that you learn more on the job than you do in full-time education. Therefore, an apprenticeship provided me with the opportunity to learn on the job, while working towards an accredited degree and MRICS status."
What do you enjoy most about your role?
"Working on multiple interesting projects and developing professional relationships with different people on each project as I progress throughout my career."
Which projects are you currently working on/excited about?
King’s College London – St. Thomas’ Education Centre (STEC) and London Institute for Healthcare Engineering (LIHE): A combined refurbishment and extension of a Grade II Listed building alongside a standalone new build on the same plot in Lambeth, London. This project provides me with the opportunity to be involved with a large scale development in a historic part of London, opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Oriel: The relocation of Moorfields Eye Hospital, University College London Institute for Opthalmology and Moorfields Eye Charity to a preferred location of St Pancras. My involvement in this project has given me the experience to develop my technical skills such as using BIM.
University College London (UCL) Framework: UCL’s large portfolio of real estate inevitably leads to a mixture of exciting capital projects across their campus. As part of G&T’s framework agreement I have been involved in a number of these projects.
What challenges did you face in getting to where you are now?
"Undertaking part-time study and preparing for my APC while working full-time has been a challenge, especially as I have progressed throughout my career and taken on more responsibility on projects."
What impact has your role and journey had on you personally and professionally?
"In a relatively short time frame of three years, I have already started to notice the potential for career progression as a QS, particularly within G&T. This motivates me further to ensure I am maximising my potential, working to the best of my ability and promoting the profession when at networking events."
What are your aims and ambitions?
- To achieve at least a 2:1 in my undergraduate degree at LSBU in 2020
- To pass my APC and successfully achieve MRICS status in November 2020
- To continue to progress my career at G&T, with the long-term ambition of becoming a Partner
"My apprenticeship has provided me with a great opportunity to work and learn on a range of interesting projects, while striving to achieve MRICS status."
Find out more about how to become an apprentice at G&T and join our Chartership Programme.