Four years on from starting their Graduate Apprenticeship journey, our newest crop of alumni reflect on their experiences at university and discuss what lies ahead.
Meet Alison
"Graduation was the most significant highlight for me. It was a brilliant feeling to attend the graduation ceremony and officially achieve my degree after four years of hard work."
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Meet Claire
"Working full time and studying requires dedication and willingness, but the reward of an honours degree at the end of 4th year along with your working experience is worth it."
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Meet Alison
Hi, I’m Alison, I’m 22-years-old, I am a Quantity Surveyor at BAM Construction, and I’ve just graduated from my Graduate Apprenticeship in Construction and the Built Environment from Edinburgh Napier University.
What attracted you to the Graduate Apprenticeship course? 
I was attracted to the Graduate Apprenticeship because it offered the opportunity to study at university whilst also kickstarting my career as a Quantity Surveyor. The degree was very relevant to what I was doing in the workplace and supported my professional development in practice. The course also allowed me to earn money whilst attending university which meant I didn’t need a student loan.
What key skills have you learned on your course?
This course has supported my development as an individual and strengthened my skillset. Throughout the course there were opportunities to improve my presentation skills, especially during the final year in which we completed the consultancy project. The group tasks and collaboration also taught me how to successfully lead a team, communicate effectively and make decisions quickly. The course also strengthened my time management skills as I had to manage university assessments alongside working full time.
Did you have any worries before starting your programme and how were they resolved?
I did not have any worries prior to starting my Graduate Apprenticeship. Both my employer and Edinburgh Napier University were very supportive, and I knew there was always guidance available if I needed it.
What was a highlight for you on the Graduate Apprenticeship programme?
Graduation was the most significant highlight for me. It was a brilliant feeling to attend the graduation ceremony and officially achieve my degree after four years of hard work. Another highlight of this experience are the strong friendships I have made with the other students on the course. These are friendships that I know will be with me for a lifetime.
What challenges did you face during your time as a Graduate Apprentice?
The biggest challenge I faced during my time as a Graduate Apprentice was adjusting to remote learning during the COVID pandemic. The course was delivered online from our second year until our final module in fourth year. I missed attending lectures and classes with my peers on campus, however, the university did a fantastic job of supporting us whilst distance learning.
Would you recommend a Graduate Apprenticeship to other students? If so, why?
I would absolutely recommend a Graduate Apprenticeship to everyone. I think it is an amazing opportunity to attain a university degree, start earning and jumpstart your career in the industry. The blend of studying and working complimented each other well and I believe this blend allowed me to get the most out of my education and gain more experience and confidence quicker than attending university on a full-time course.
What are your key takeaways from your Graduate Apprenticeship?
My key takeaways from my Graduate Apprenticeship are the friendships I have made along the way and the second to none education that the university has given me. I know I will take what I have learnt during my time at Napier and call upon it throughout my career as a Quantity Surveyor.
How do you feel about your career now compared to when you started your Graduate Apprenticeship course?
I have gained so much confidence in myself since I first walked into Edinburgh Napier University and began my career with BAM in 2018. This course has complimented my experiences working in practice well and supported my professional development as a Quantity Surveyor.
What are your career plans now that you have graduated?
My next goal is to work towards achieving my RICS chartership and become a chartered Quantity Surveyor.
What advice would you give to others considering a Graduate Apprenticeship course at Edinburgh Napier?
My advice to those considering a Graduate Apprenticeship would be to go for it. It is a brilliant opportunity for anyone who is driven, hard-working and looking to kickstart their career in the industry. My experience working towards my degree at Edinburgh Napier University has been second to none. I am incredibly grateful I have had this opportunity and I hope others follow!
Meet Claire
Hi, I’m Claire, I’m 26, and I graduated in Construction and Built Environment (Quantity Surevying) whilst working with Summers Inman Construction and Property Consultants.
What attracted you to the Graduate Apprenticeship course? 
I was attracted to a Graduate Apprenticeship because I could continue working full time to gain more industry experience whilst obtaining an honours degree.
What key skills have you learned on your course?
I have developed my presentation skills as a lot of modules required us to undertake presentations. I would also say that this course has enhanced my time management skills as I had to ensure that whilst working full time all assignments and studying was done in sufficient time to meet deadlines.
Did you have any worries before starting your programme and how were they resolved?
As I was in the first year that the Graduate Apprenticeship started, I was concerned about the set up and how this course would be viewed by the industry, but after joining the university and obtaining confirmation that I was able to commence my Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) chartership programme in 4th Year this affirmed that the course is highly respected by the industry and the RICS.
What was a highlight for you on the Graduate Apprenticeship programme?
My course highlights would be obtaining my 1st class honours degree and also building up a network with the other students in my class who also work within the industry.
What challenges did you face during your time as a Graduate Apprentice?
During the graduate apprenticeship, I faced a challenging time with my health which meant I had to deal with the diagnosis of a chronic illness and undergoing surgery. As I experienced some health flare ups during my time at university, I ensured that I completed all assignments as soon as I was given them to avoid missing any due dates.
Would you recommend a Graduate Apprenticeship to other students and why?
I would recommend a graduate apprenticeship to other students who are looking to work full time and obtain their degree. Working full time and studying requires dedication and willingness, but the reward of an honours degree at the end of 4th year along with your working experience is worth it.
What are your key takeaways from your Graduate Apprenticeship?
My key take aways are you can learn so much from other graduate apprentices on the course, as all apprentices are working within the industry there is a lot of opportunities to have discussions about real life working scenarios.
How do you feel about your career now compared to when you started your Graduate Apprenticeship course?
I feel that the university course and my working experience have worked well together. I feel I have progressed in my career over the last four years and gained more confidence in my work.
What are your career plans now that you have graduated?
I plan to sit my Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) from the RICS in 2023 to become a chartered Quantity Surveyor.
What advice would you give to others considering a Graduate Apprenticeship Course at Edinburgh Napier University?
Do it; if you are sure that you want a career in the discipline, obtain your degree whilst gaining work experience.