National Apprenticeship Week with Shaun Tye and Jack Clarke
09 Feb 2024Join us this National Apprenticeship Week as we explore apprenticeships at Sir Robert McAlpine with Shaun Tye and Jack Clarke, Civil Engineer Apprentices.
11th Feb 2025
National Apprenticeship Week 2025 with Jack Chapman
In support of National Apprenticeship week, we caught up with Trainee Quantity Surveyor Jack Chapman to hear about his experiences and progress on the path to a rewarding career.
Building Futures Together: Northumbria University & Sir Robert McAlpine
Jack Chapman, a dedicated Trainee Quantity Surveyor, is thriving in his degree apprenticeship, combining practical industry experience with academic excellence at Northumbria University.
Jack gains real-world skills working four days a week while attending Northumbria University one day per week. This partnership ensures he develops hands-on expertise and academic knowledge — the perfect blend for future career success.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship for the prospect of having a well-supported and structured learning to my chosen career path. I am a strong advocate for learning on the job as I believe the practical experience that you get, as well as taught learning will provide you with the knowledge to kickstart a prosperous career. These are the driving factors to why I took the apprenticeship route.
Tell us about your role?
I am a trainee quantity surveyor working four days through the week with a day release to Northumbria University. I assist the commercial department in measuring works, carrying out subcontractor valuations, capturing change and helping pull together enquiry documents such as volume 2’s and pricing documents.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day involves reviewing the latest drawings and updating any documentation/measures/estimated final accounts that is related to the drawings. Also, liaising with subcontractors comes with the role on a daily basis – this may include management of variations and agreeing on final accounts.
How has your experience been with Northumbria University?
In the short time that I have been attending Northumbria University, I have been exposed to some fantastic lectures hosted by some very knowledgeable lecturers/speakers which has high applicability to my day-to-day job, boosting my knowledge of the quantity surveying discipline. Furthermore, I have been a huge fan of the lecture style at the university – taking a break every 15-30 minutes to ask questions and to encourage students to speak up if something is not understood; the lecturers have no problem explaining concepts more than once which is reassuring as somebody who is learning. Also, I have found the University’s online portals and systems engaging and easy to navigate.
What is the best thing about your apprenticeship?
The best thing about my apprenticeship is the support that I receive from extremely experienced colleagues. The knowledge that you gain on the job is invaluable and help
What would you say to others who are thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
I strongly encourage an apprenticeship to kickstart your career in a pathway of your choice. The skills you learn at such a young age will benefit you for the rest of your career and it is also a fantastic opportunity for personal growth with the challenges you will have to overcome. An apprenticeship is also a very rewarding process with the 'earn as you learn' aspect of it.
Explore National Apprentice Week
-
![]()
Read more about -
![]()
Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week with Aimee Dosanjh
09 Feb 2024Introducing Aimee Dosanjh, Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Derby Kingsway Hospital.
-
![]()
Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week 2024 with Abigail Wilkinson
08 Feb 2024Introducing Abigail Wilkinson, Apprentice Quantity Surveyor at the Museum of London.
-
![]()
Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week 2024 with Alex O'Shea
08 Feb 2024In support of National Apprenticeship week, we caught up with Assistant Estimator, Alex O'Shea, who shares more about his progress since completing his apprenticeship.
-
![]()
Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week 2024 with Rachel Tonks
07 Feb 2024Explore apprenticeship opportunities in construction with Rachel Tonks, People Development - Business Partner.
-
![]()
Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week 2024: Introducing Sumya Yesmin
05 Feb 2024In support of National Apprenticeship Week, we meet Sumya Yesmin, Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor at The Westbury Hotel.
-
![]()
Read more aboutMeet Apprentice Engineer Andrew Smales
15 Feb 2023In the wake of National Apprenticeship Week, we catch up with Apprentice Engineer, Andrew Smales, who gives us an insight into his role at Riverside, Sunderland.
-
![]()
Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week 2023: Meet Alex O’Shea
07 Feb 2023In support of National Apprenticeship Week, we catch up with Apprentice Estimator, Alex O'Shea, who shares more about his role and apprenticeship with us as he develops his #SkillsForLife in construction.
-
![]()
Read more aboutFrom Apprentice Joiner to Works Manager
11 Feb 2021We're taking a trip down memory lane with former apprentices David Cochrane and Angus MacDonald.
Latest news
-
![]()
Read more aboutStamp it Out briefing
24 Mar 2025The Stamp it Out briefing, chaired by our Managing Director of Transport, Vip Gandhi, along with Safer Highways CEO, Kevin Robinson, received a ministerial seal of approval at a special Summit held in London
-
![]()
Read more aboutLondon Museum work experience
20 Mar 2025Local students benefit from partnership working to gain insights into the world of construction.
-
![]()
Read more aboutReducing carbon emissions at TQA1
17 Mar 2025Early collaboration in the design stage and engagement with supply chain enlable Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus to achieve a 25% reduction in embodied carbon.
