Max Bambury discussess his role as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor as The Wigley Group celebrates the 16th National Apprenticeship Week 6-12 February 2023.
"After a knee injury made me rethink my plans, I found that starting a construction apprenticeship has been an unexpected but exciting opportunity.
Whilst in my first year at sixth form college, I unexpectedly dislocated my knee and had to take time out of education to recover.
During sixth form, I completed work experience for a national construction company and having enjoyed the placement, I decided to explore routes into the industry.
I hadn’t previously considered going into construction but I really enjoyed the commercial aspect of construction projects and my work placement manager recommended that I look at Wigley’s construction apprenticeship program that had just launched.
After a successful interview, I completed a training day at The Wigley Group, and really enjoyed working alongside the construction team, so I knew the company would be a great fit for me.
The apprenticeship structure – which will allow me to complete a Level Four HNC in Construction Surveying qualification alongside the practical day-to-day work – was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.
Since starting as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor in October 2022, I have been engaged from the beginning and got involved in a variety of Wigley’s construction sites and projects.
Whilst I was previously nervous to start the job given my lack of construction experience, my colleagues have been so supportive, and my experience and confidence has grown hugely.
The team has given me great opportunities to improve my skills and I am not just seen as an apprentice but as a valued and trusted member of the team.
The best part of my apprenticeship has been putting skills I have learnt into practice on real construction projects, seeing them through to their successful completion.
Since I joined, I have gained increasing responsibility and was recognised for my high standard work by being awarded employee of the month in November.
Being recognised for my hard work and getting great feedback from my team has given me another boost of confidence to continue to excel within my role.
The company’s close-knit feel has also allowed me to learn from lots of different people about their experience in the sector and apply it to my own progression path.
Becoming an apprentice has already given me many opportunities in construction and procurement and I am excited to see what the future holds as I start my course training in the next few months."