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#NAW2024 – Meet our apprentices
Meet Maria.
Level 4 QS Technician Apprenticeship
“An apprenticeship is a great way to start your career as you’re gaining a double advantage of knowledge and experience. It has been greatly beneficial to my development and helping me grow a skillset for my career”
This National Apprenticeship Week we’re highlighting some of the apprentices working for us at the Shepley Group, helping us to build a legacy of excellence. Meet Maria Mahoney, an apprentice Quantity Surveyor for West Cumberland Engineering. Learn more about what drove her to an apprenticeship, and what aspirations she has for her future career.
When did you join West Cumberland Engineering?
I joined West Cumberland Engineering in August 2021.
What made you choose an apprenticeship?
My journey was a little different, my career commenced as a Receptionist at West Cumberland Engineering which I thoroughly enjoyed as it advanced my personal skills. Until I was then fortunate to be given the opportunity to become a trainee Quantity Surveyor and start an apprenticeship at Lakes College. This opportunity was great for me as I had a great interest to progress within the commercial department.
What does a typical day in your job involve?
As a trainee quantity surveyor, a typical day involves accurately collating data and managing costs to make sure that projects are preforming well. Contacting engineers to receive regular job updates and answers so that I can inform the clients with the helpful support from my work colleagues.
How have you progressed since joining West Cumberland Engineering?
Throughout my time at West Cumberland Engineering, I have gathered experience in many roles so that I can get an idea of a full project life cycle within the company. The company has furthered my development by enrolling me onto the Level 4 Quantity Surveying apprenticeship at Lakes College in which I appreciate as I want to do my job to the best of my ability.
What are your career aspirations?
I’d like to continue improving my knowledge and abilities in Quantity Surveying so that I can work as a fully qualified quantity surveyor for West Cumberland Engineering. When I’ve finished my apprenticeship, I’d like to continue advancing my qualification and explore projects outside of Cumbria with my employer.
What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship, has anything surprised you?
The factor I enjoy the most about my apprenticeship is that I am gaining knowledge on my course as well as obtaining experience and additional knowledge at my work. I enjoy seeing jobs progressing visually in the workshop rather than imagining what it would look like on a drawing. Furthermore, I have gained more confidence speaking to people from college and at work as you are communicating with different people daily and presenting work in front of people in college. College is also beneficial when having quantity surveying related discussions with other apprentices who work at other local companies.
What would you say to people considering an apprenticeship?