Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025

What course are you studying?

Currently, I am studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management at the University of Westminster, on a part time basis with the aim of graduating in summer 2029.

What prior studying did you do to obtain a place on your apprenticeship?

I attended sixth form for two years prior to my apprenticeship, studying A-levels in Business, Economics and History. Rather than continuing within full time education I choose the route of gaining a degree level qualification through an apprenticeship with MIDA being a great place to do so.

What do you like about your chosen course?

The mixture of class-based learning and work-based learning is something that I value greatly. Being able to bring the knowledge and skills I gain from work to the classroom and vice versa is something I really like, it enables me to gain understandings on topics before learning more deeply about them making tasks more enjoyable as I rarely enter without basic knowledge of what is being asked of me.

Why you chose an apprenticeship?

Upon finishing school obtaining an apprenticeship was always the main target. Building the foundations for a successful career through on the job training and classroom-based learning is something that appealed to me more than full time university ever did.

Explain the benefits of your programme?

Working and attending university simultaneously means the knowledge I am gaining is coming from diverse perspectives and can be applied to both directly, broadening my understanding of relevant topics allowing me to improve on a consistent basis. The office and university is not viewed as two separates but rather as a whole with the MIDA team taking an interest in my education, offering support where needed meaning I can feel safe in knowing that if I do ever find myself struggling I have a wide support network around me.

What do you most enjoy about working at MIDA?

Rather than being viewed as a trainee I feel as if I am valued member of a team, making contributions that are appreciated both within the office and externally. The working environment at MIDA is highly positive contributing further to my enjoyment on a day-to-day basis.

Why would you recommend it to others?

I would highly recommend this to others, the benefits you achieve through going down the route of an apprenticeship particularly at an organisation like MIDA are substantial and far-reaching.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time and your future goals?

All things well in five years’ time I should be fully qualified quantity surveyor having made significant strides in my professional development with the aim to further my knowledge and understanding of groundworks.

What course are you studying?

I am currently enrolled in the HNC Construction (Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship) program at London South Bank University. The course requires attendance one day a week from October to May, with breaks during the Christmas and Easter periods. The program spans two years, and upon completion, I will progress to the BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying degree, which will take an additional three years. This, too, requires attendance one day a week from October to May, with similar holiday breaks.

What prior studying did you do to obtain a place on your apprenticeship?

To qualify for this apprenticeship, I completed seven GCSEs in the following subjects: Mathematics, English, Science, History, Business Studies, Psychology, and Computer Science. Additionally, I completed two A-Levels in Business and Mathematics, as well as a BTEC in Information Technology.

What do you like about your chosen course?

I find the course highly engaging as it allows me to deepen my understanding of the construction industry. I particularly enjoy applying the theoretical knowledge I gain to real-world work scenarios. Beyond construction materials and on-site processes, the course also covers important aspects such as legal and economic responsibilities, which will be increasingly relevant as my career progresses.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?

I chose an apprenticeship because it provides a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience while also pursuing academic learning. This approach allows me to develop my skills within the industry from an early stage, all while earning a salary and avoiding the financial burden of university debt.

Explain the benefits of your programme?

A degree apprenticeship offers a valuable combination of practical experience and academic learning. In my role, I am able to benefit from the expertise of senior Quantity Surveyors at MIDA, who play an integral role in the company’s success. Attending university one day a week enhances my knowledge, which I can directly apply to my work. Additionally, the challenging assignments I undertake allow me to demonstrate my understanding of both my role at work and the academic content I am studying.

What do you most enjoy about working at MIDA?

MIDA has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with highly skilled professionals, from whom I can learn invaluable industry insights. I also appreciate the camaraderie with fellow apprentices, many of whom have progressed in their careers and are now in a position to mentor me, sharing their knowledge and helping me build new skills.

Why would you recommend it to others?

Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular and valuable pathway in today’s professional world, with new opportunities emerging across a range of industries. In my field, gaining hands-on experience often holds more weight than a traditional university degree alone, making an apprenticeship a highly recommended option for anyone looking to build a good career foundation.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time and what are your future goals?

In five years, I hope to have successfully completed my degree from London South Bank University and gained significant experience within the construction industry. I aim to have developed both professionally and personally, and to have transitioned from my current role as a trainee Quantity Surveyor to a Fully qualified Quantity Surveyor.

What course are your studying?

I am currently studying a Level 6 BEng (Hons) Civil engineering degree at London Southbank university alongside my day-to-day work for MIDA.

What prior studying did you do to obtain a place on your apprenticeship?

I obtained A-Levels and BTEC’s at Sixth form at Samuel Whitbread where I studied a Double Engineering BTEC and Geography A-Level.

What do you like about your chosen course?

It allows me to greater my technical knowledge and understanding of my field and gives me more of an insight of what goes on day to day. It also lets me learn about multiple other things that I wouldn’t get the chance to learn on site which helps me become more well-rounded in the industry.

Why you chose an apprenticeship?

I chose an apprenticeship as I felt University was never for me and wanted to be able to do something a bit more hands on. Apprenticeships also offer the chance to work and gain vital experience in my chosen industry while obtaining further education at the same time without the added debt.

Explain the benefits of your programme?

I am getting the chance to gain a degree while being paid, I also get great tutorship of a great range of well experienced and highly skilled workers within the industry.

What do you most enjoy about working at MIDA?

I enjoy the fact my work varies and that every other day I am doing something different, or I am on a different/new site. I also get to work alongside highly skilled and welcoming workers which help me progress my trade.

Why would you recommend it to others?

It’s an exciting time to be part of a growing company in the construction industry which offers great opportunities in multiple fields. I would also definitely recommend the apprenticeships as you can earn and learn from experienced people within the trade.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time and what are your future goals?

In 5 years’, time I would like to have taken Mr Wallis’ Job – only joking! I see myself having gained more responsibility within the company while becoming a valuable member of a growing civils company.

What course are your studying?

I’m currently studying a BEng in Civil Engineering at London South Bank University as part of my degree apprenticeship. This programme allows me to integrate academic study with hands-on professional experience, developing both the technical expertise and real-world insight essential for successful career in civil engineering.

What prior studying did you do to obtain a place on your apprenticeship?

Before commencing my apprenticeship with MIDA, I completed A-levels in Mathematics, Geography and business, alongside an Extended Project Qualification in Engineering. The EPQ enabled me to delve deeper into engineering principles and fostered my research further into the industry. I strongly believe, these chosen A-levels provided me with a robust foundation in spatial awareness and critical thinking- both being integral to the field of civil engineering.

What do you like about your chosen course?

My chosen course excels in allowing me to integrate theoretical learning with practical application. This direct connection between theory and practice enhances my understanding in the industry and allows me to have meaningful contributions to the live projects at MIDA. As the apprenticeship model allows me to progressively develop professional skills alongside my academic qualifications, setting strong foundations for my future in engineering.

Why you chose an apprenticeship?

I believe that this effective pathway offers both professional experience and academic credentials. The apprenticeship programme allows me to immerse myself in the industry while acquiring technical knowledge. This route not only fosters a deeper understanding in engineering, but also avoids the financial burden of traditional university tuition, positioning me to embark on a successful career early on.  

Explain the benefits of your programme?

The most significant benefit of the degree apprenticeship programme is the relationship it creates between academic study and professional experience. This structure allows for ample support for my professional development, with mentorship from experienced engineers, helping me to refine my technical skills and build confidence in my abilities. From a financial viewpoint, the ability to earn a salary while pursuing a degree eliminates the need for student loans and provides financial independence.

What do you most enjoy about working at MIDA?

The most rewarding thing about working for MIDA is the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with highly skilled professionals the field. The company fosters an environment that values continuous learning and development, allowing me to contribute greatly to meaningful projects on a day-to-day basis. The challenges I am given are directly proportional to the support provided to me to excel in the field. I also value the trust MIDA places in me, allowing me take on significant responsibilities despite being in the early stages of my career. This trust not only accelerates my growth but also significantly strengthens my confidence as I transition into a fully qualified engineer.

Why would you recommend it to others?

I would strongly recommend the apprenticeship programme at MIDA to anyone who is seeking a balanced and comprehensive approach to career development in engineering. This approach offers unparalleled opportunities for both professional growth hands on experience on site, making it a highly beneficial route for aspiring engineers.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time and what are your future goals?

In five years, I envisage myself having completed my apprenticeship and fully qualifying as a civil engineer. Gaining substantial amounts of experience across a broad spectrum in engineering. Ultimately, I aspire to become a chartered engineer, taking on ambitious projects and contributing to innovative solutions in the field of engineering. My long-term goal is to work on large-scale, impactful projects that have the potential to transform communities and environments.