Arcadis apprenticeships provide an exciting opportunity to jump straight into the professional world and earn a living whilst also studying.
Carys Marsh is an Assistant Cost Consultant with Arcadis. In an interview with The Northern Powerhouse, Carys discusses apprenticeships and what opportunities they offer for young people in the north of the UK.
According to recent UK Government data, apprenticeship numbers are now returning to pre-pandemic levels – which is good news for the economy.
The biggest drop in apprenticeship levels during the pandemic had been in the North of England. Fortunately, businesses in the north have risen to the challenge in tackling that problem through delivering skills opportunities both for those just starting out in their career, or those looking to retrain.
There were 41,300 new apprentices in the North of England between 2021 and 2022, a 44 per cent increase from the previous year.
The biggest increase in the country was in the North East, which saw a rise of about 58 per cent.
Why do you think more young people are choosing apprenticeships?
"I think more young people are choosing apprenticeships as they are becoming more widely recognised by colleges and more companies are offering degree apprenticeships in a variety of disciplines. With graduate roles becoming increasingly competitive, the apprenticeship route also gives vital experience in industry as an advantage over the traditional full time university route," says Carys.
"Initially, I went through the process of applying for universities and it was the sandwich degrees with a year in industry that really appealed to me. While reading into the companies that sponsored some of these degrees, I came across degree apprenticeships and loved the idea of working and earning whilst learning," comments Carys.
"I’d really recommend the apprenticeship route because, for me, the support with my degree was invaluable and it has given me a great start to my career," she adds.
What skills have you learnt?
"I have learnt quantity surveying specific skills such as measurement and estimating, as well as soft skills like communication with clients, teamwork, and time management. The best thing I’ve gained through the apprenticeship is confidence, which has come from the support and encouragement of the team in my development," explains Carys.
What projects are you working on?
"Most of my work is on high-rise residential developments in central Manchester, as well as student accommodation schemes and office fit outs. I have also worked on some more unusual projects like the new training facility for Liverpool Football Club," she comments.
What are your plans for the future?
"My short-term goal is to sit my APC to gain chartership. I love living and working in the North, and whilst I wouldn’t rule out job opportunities elsewhere in the UK or abroad, I am happy here and believe there are ample opportunities to fulfil my ambitions. It is rewarding to work on schemes which bring investment to the North and there will be lots more in the future which is really exciting for me," says Carys.
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