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National Apprenticeship Week 2025 – Meet Our Apprentices
Meet Maisie.
Apprentice Quantity Surveyor – Whitehaven
“It can be challenging at times but that’s part of the experience. Nobody going into a new career will know everything, it’s definitely worth it in the end and you get to see your progress along the way”
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. To mark the occasion, we spoke with Maisie Robinson to talk about her experiences and share what she has learned during her apprenticeship.
What made you choose an apprenticeship?
Since leaving school I have always known that I wanted to do an apprenticeship as I wanted to learn and gain experience while earning an income at the same time. Shepley had a wide range of apprenticeships, but I was initially drawn to the Business Admin side of it as I had gained a strong understanding through Gen 2. I decided to choose the Quantity Surveying apprenticeship with Shepley as I thought it would be a brilliant opportunity to push myself to learn and build new skills, which allows me to focus on achieving my career goals.
What does a typical day in your job involve?
A typical day in my role involves updating payment applications with hours from timesheets and material costs from supplier invoices. I issue payment applications to our clients on a monthly basis. I also raise invoices which are sent to clients for payment.
How have you progressed since joining?
Since joining Shepley, I have made great progress in developing my skills and improving my knowledge and understanding. When I first started my apprenticeship, I had little experience and knowledge in Quantity Surveying, but I have gained a lot more confidence and learnt new skills which allow me to take on challenging tasks. Help and support from my colleagues and college help me to progress on my course.
What are your career aspirations?
I would like to continue to progress in my apprenticeship and gain a Level 4 Quantity Surveying qualification which I am currently working towards. With my qualifications I plan to be able to develop my knowledge and be able to take on bigger responsibilities and expand my skills. In the future, my biggest aspiration is to be a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor and be able to work up to a senior role within the company.
What do you like most about your apprenticeship? Has anything surprised you?
The things I enjoy the most about my apprenticeship is the opportunity to be able to academically learn hands-on in the workplace which I think is a great opportunity to anyone that is thinking about taking on an apprenticeship.
What you say to somebody considering an apprenticeship?
To anyone starting or considering an apprenticeship, I would say it’s a great opportunity and experience as you are getting an insight into your future career. I think it’s a brilliant opportunity as it gives you a wide range of new skills and experiences. It’s not only about learning, it’s the experiences and knowledge you gain along the way while working towards achieving your career goals. It can be challenging at times but that is just part of the experience. Nobody going into a new career/apprenticeship will know everything, but it’s definitely worth it in the end and you get to see your progress along the way which is definitely a plus. Overall, I would definitely recommend an apprentice to anyone who is considering one.