InSite | Graduates on their way to becoming our future surveyors

Graduates on their way to becoming our future surveyors

We are helping to train the next generation of surveyors, highly skilled people the industry needs!

 

It’s National Careers Week, so we thought we’d share an update with you about our graduates and details about opportunities available through our latest graduate programme.

 

Did you know that our current group of graduates will join more than 60 part-qualified surveyors, former graduates and trainees that have become fully chartered with the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) via our Training Academy?

 

The two-year programme consists of intensive classroom and distance-based tutorials on construction, technical standards, building regulations and procedures. Trainees develop skills applicable to a range of buildings, from single houses to multi-storey apartment blocks, and learn how to competently and confidently undertake design assessments and record inspections.

 

Our current graduate intake is now six months into the programme and we caught up with them during a classroom session held at Birkenhead. How are they getting on?

We spoke to Rohit Kenth, Sebastian Martin, Billy Madden, Kristina Haggerty, Nahom Issak and Lewis Hudson.

Six months into your graduate training programme, how are you finding it?

Billy

I found it enjoyable. I have learnt types of construction methods and processes, including the building regulations to which I am able to apply while on site.

Sebastian

The scheme has increased my understanding through sessions covering construction guidance in relation to our Technical Standards, Building Regulations and health and safety.

It has also involved specialist learning sessions on policy interpretation, basement waterproofing, parapets, claims, fire protection and other sessions. I feel the learning gained from these sessions is improving my understanding and is giving me the knowledge of the risk areas within the industry that we specialize in.

Nahom

The first six months of my graduate training scheme at MD Group has been exciting, productive and educational. I have learned so much from the academy trainers, my colleagues on the graduate scheme, other surveyors and site teams. So far this graduate training scheme has helped me develop the knowledge I had previously from my time in the industry and my degree.

I have learnt more of the elements included in the building stage/process in more detail compared to how I was taught it at university. I feel like the way the academy trainers teach us here it’s more in depth and related to what actually happens day to day in the industry rather than from a book.

Kristina

I have really enjoyed my time here. I have learned so much in the past six months, the site experience and training has greatly increased my confidence and technical knowledge. I still have more to learn but my time here has greatly improved my knowledge and understanding to becoming a risk surveyor.

Nahom

The first six months of my graduate training scheme at MD Group has been exciting, productive and educational. I have learned so much from the academy trainers, my colleagues on the graduate scheme, other surveyors and site teams. So far this graduate training scheme has helped me develop the knowledge I had previously from my time in the industry and my degree.

I have learnt more of the elements included in the building stage/process in more detail compared to how I was taught it at university. I feel like the way the academy trainers teach us here it’s more in depth and related to what actually happens day to day in the industry rather than from a book.

Rohit

The training scheme has exceeded my expectations in the sense that it is very well planned and delivered. I have learnt the in-depth process of construction and developed an eye for detail by paying attention to the anatomy of different components of the build. I have developed my research skills with our License to Practice assessments which required us to utilise our Technical Manual and the Building Regulations to find the information we need.

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The way the academy trainers teach us here is more in depth and related to what actually happens day to day in the industry rather than reading information from a book.

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Nahom Issak

What have you enjoyed most so far?

Sebastian

The most enjoyable aspect of the training scheme is the on-the-job learning approach. I would say I’m a visual learner, this approach allows me to visually develop what has been taught within the sessions, providing me with a better overall understanding of how and why.

Billy

I have enjoyed the variety of training and support that the training team and surveyors have given me.

Lewis

Getting out on site. It’s one thing sitting in a classroom or being in an office, but for me nothing beats getting out and about, and I certainly learn a lot quicker looking at things in person.

Kristina

I have really enjoyed going out on site. Getting out on site was important to me as it was the first time I was able to experience it, being able to see different aspects of the build process really helped me visualise and understand what I was learning.

Nahom

One of the best things I’ve enjoyed about it is the fact that we have taught sessions then during the week we have an opportunity to go out on site and apply that knowledge. This aspect has been very helpful to me personally because I’m the type of person that’s more of a hands on or visual learner. The training scheme is also structured so that when we go out on site to shadow surveyors we try to see elements that we are currently learning during the taught sessions which is very helpful.

Rohit

I mostly enjoy the site-based shadowing as I consider myself more of a visual learner. Also, the people you meet on site can be a good laugh and that can make your day sometimes.

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It’s one thing sitting in a classroom or being in an office, but for me nothing beats getting out and about, and I certainly learn a lot quicker looking at things in person.

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Lewis Hudson

What are you looking forward to next?

Billy

I am looking forward to continuing my learning and carrying out my own inspections.

Sebastian

To continue to develop my role in the company through on-site training and online learning.

Lewis

I’m looking forward to having my own sites to look after and manage, and beyond that becoming chartered.

Kristina

I am looking forward to having my own workload, doing more independent inspections and getting my own sites to manage. Leading to getting my chartered status with CABE.

Nahom

In the next six months I am looking forward to doing more site shadowing and learning in more detail about what we have previously learned and putting it in to practice. I am also looking forward to starting to take inspections on my own with the supervision of a surveyor. This will help me gain more confidence and put in to practice what I have been learning in my taught sessions.

Rohit

I would like to further my progress by improving my knowledge. The more I can recall the knowledge I’ve obtained means I am retaining the information better. For me this is a sign of progress and increasing my competency.

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I am looking forward to having my own workload, doing more independent inspections and getting my own sites to manage.

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Kristina Haggerty

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying for the graduate training?

Rohit

If you want a career where no day is the same, a team around you that is friendly, and a company that has many different ways of investing in to your development and growth, then you should be applying for the graduate role.

Nahom

DO IT! I can wholeheartedly say this is the best company I have worked for. Everyone is very friendly and you feel very valued as a team member. The graduate training has great structure with taught sessions and site visits. If you are looking for a graduate training where everyone you come across is helpful, kind and supportive then this program is for you.

Kristina

Definitely do it, It’s a great opportunity to learn, to work and to gain experience. This is a very welcoming and friendly company with loads of support and everyone is willing to help and guide you. I would recommend even looking into the job role and speaking to someone to find out more.

Lewis

Go for it! At the very least have a discussion about the job role, the exposure and training, and what your career goals are.

Sebastian

My Advice to anyone who has an interest in surveying in construction, wants to get their ‘foot on the ladder’ and to continue to develop their understanding of the industry, the graduate scheme provides you with this opportunity. The scheme also provides any needed support along the way from the learning and development team and other colleagues that you will interact with through your role.

 

Billy

I would say apply! There is lots of support, opportunity, and development.

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If you want a career where no day is the same, a team around you that is friendly, and a company that has many different ways of investing in to your development and growth, then you should be applying for the graduate role.

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Rohit Kenth

Help us recruit for the next graduate intake

We are currently looking for more graduates. If you know anyone who has a minimum level 2:2 BSc degree in a relevant construction subject, is fluent in English and has a full UK driving license, please visit our careers page.

 

Please Note: Every care was taken to ensure the information in this article was correct at the time of publication

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