Can you tell us more about what you did before you joined ABP?
I studied at Stowupland High School, after which I progressed to Stowupland 6th Form where I studied Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths. Following graduation, I took a year out to deliberate my desired future profession. During this time I worked in retail part time before deciding to apply for the Apprentice Estates Surveyor role at ABP.
What did you find most appealing about an Apprenticeship at ABP? How did you hear about the opportunities available?
I had originally planned to go to university following my A levels but later decided against it after hearing more about apprenticeships from friends who had started them. I had previously taken part in work experience for Suffolk County Council Surveyors during high school and enjoyed the taking part in technical drawing and plans, as well as the maths related to pricing and measurements, and the customer interactions that came with the profession. That is why when I saw ABP’s Estates Surveyor Apprenticeship advertised online on Indeed.com, it naturally appealed to me.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
A typical day can vary greatly in my role, I can be doing anything from rent reviews and lease renewals to property inspections and customer visits. Due to the early stage of my apprenticeship, it can also be largely dependent on my colleagues, if they feel I can benefit from shadowing them or handle a job they need doing, my day to day work can differ greatly.
What’s the most exciting project you are currently working on?
My most exciting current project is probably on a proposal we have put forward for signage on an existing grain silo. I was tasked with calculating approximate sign measurements and coming up with concept designs, as well as site and location plans to put forward for a pre-planning application. It’s great being involved in the project and I feel that I am learning a lot as part of the process.
Who would you say is your role model/somebody you find inspiring in the maritime/business world?
I don’t have ‘role models’ so to speak but I look up to my older colleagues and strive to gain as much experience as I can from them. I also benefit from there being a variety of professional backgrounds within the department. Some colleagues used to work in busy, high-demand cities like London, others have worked the local market for years and have built up extensive networks around the area. I enjoy learning from their diverse experiences.
If you could give some advice to young people who would like to follow in your footsteps, what would it be?
My advice would be to gain and learn as much as you can from the people around you, some of whom could have potentially done apprenticeships themselves or been in that particular profession their entire career. This goes hand in hand with gaining professional contacts and having a network of people who can help you with advice. I would recommend an apprenticeship route to anyone.
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