Hannah, Property Services

What is your role?

I am a Surveying Apprentice for the property services team.

When did you start here?

I started my apprenticeship in August 2017 and I am due to finish in August 2022.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I chose to do an apprenticeship because I could do a degree without the need to go to away to university and whilst earning money and gaining experience in the work environment.

Did you come with GCSEs or A levels?

I joined the council with eight GCSEs including maths and English and three A levels; Art, Media Studies and English Literature.

Did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to do?

When I left school, I didn’t have a plan for what I wanted to do so I took A levels with the view of going to university. After looking at a few universities I decided that wasn’t for me. I did a few weeks of work experience with a building surveyor whilst deciding what I wanted to do next and then found this apprenticeship.

Why did you decide to work here?

I decided on West Suffolk because the apprenticeship they offered covered a wide range of surveying. They also offered me a degree apprenticeship which was a perfect choice for me.

What did you know about the council before you joined and what have you learnt about it so far?

I didn’t know much about West Suffolk before I joined, now I have learnt much more about the roles and reasonability’s of the council and what it means to be part of such an organisation.

What apprenticeship are you undertaking, and do you have future plans?

I am doing the apprenticeship in surveying along with a degree in building surveying. I hope to become a chartered surveyor which I will carry out as part of my apprenticeship. I would like to go onto a career in building surveyor focussing mainly on the design side. After I have completed my apprenticeship I would hope to stay on at West Suffolk if the opportunity arises.

What do you enjoy about working here?

The highlights of working at West Suffolk are the team that I work with, they are so supportive and have helped me a lot over the three years I have been here. I also like the flexible working hours which help you keep a good work/life balance and also helps support my studying.

Apart from your apprenticeship, have you had other opportunities to learn and develop, job-shadow or to be involved in different projects?

Working at the council gives you lots of opportunities for training. I have also been able to shadow other teams which has helped me develop my learning.

What advice would you give to future applicants?

That this is a great place to start your career. Everyone is supportive and if you have any concerns there is always someone to talk to and to help you out.