To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we’re introducing some of our current apprentices. Dylan Sharma is a Trainee Quantity Surveyor in our Birmingham office and is studying for a BSc Quantity Surveying at Birmingham City University. We asked him all about his apprenticeship at Baily Garner, and this is what he said.
What attracted you to do an apprenticeship?
The opportunity to get an understanding of a working environment and studying at the same time.
What kind of work have you been getting involved with as part of your apprenticeship?
My work has been varied throughout the past 5 months, gaining both insight and experience in Quantity Surveying and Project Management work, from doing many types of feasibility reports such as budget estimates and valuations, to taking minutes in meetings.
Describe a typical day for you.
Its very difficult to describe a typical day as you are doing something different all the time. One day I could be in meetings and the next day be out on site. That for me is the best thing about this job. Not knowing what tomorrow will bring keeps you on your toes and you never find yourself bored of doing the same thing time and time again.
What would you say is the most important thing you’ve learnt so far?
The most important thing that I have learnt so far is understanding my role within the team I work with and within the company. Understanding that the work that I am doing may be a small task, but it is how it allows my colleagues to focus on bigger tasks and frees up their time for the rest of their workload, along with helping me strengthen my knowledge
What’s the most exciting project / piece of work you’ve been involved in?
The most exciting project that I have been working on is the construction of two multi-story car parks at Sandwell and City Hospital. You do not really see many car parks being built so being able to see two at once is quite incredible. The part that fascinates me the most is the difference in engineering with these car parks whether it be underground with piling or electrical work with the installation of lifts.
Who do you work with on a daily basis? Do you have contact with clients?
There isn’t a specific person I work with as I am helping many of my colleagues in many different lines of work. The main contact I have with clients is in meetings or when going to sites.
What opportunities have you had for learning and training at Baily Garner?
Baily Garner offer many training sessions on many different topics which all provide high levels of detail and information depending on what level you are at. The best thing about these training sessions is that you can ask any questions you have. Even if it sounds like a dumb question, you can still ask as these training sessions are here for your development.
How are you finding the balance between working and studying at university?
At first, I thought that the work and study balance was going to be the biggest challenge for me. However, after a couple of weeks of adjustment and keeping myself organised by setting internal deadlines to get tasks done, I’m finding it a lot easier and a lot less stressful. As soon as I got into a routine of working and then studying after, it allowed me to cope well and maintain a good standard of social life with friends and family.
What’s your favourite thing about Baily Garner in general?
My favourite thing about Baily Garner is the staff that work here. It feels like they are more friends than colleagues which is helpful when you have had no experience in the working world and are worried about how you are going to fit in with other members of staff. The friendliness and openness of all the colleagues allows you to have full confidence in asking as many questions as you like as they are guaranteed to help.
Finally, what advice would you give to future apprentices joining Baily Garner?
The best piece of advice that I can give is never be afraid to ask questions. If you feel like you do not know something, there is always someone that can help you and to the best standard possible. Everyone understands you are new to working and have no knowledge of the career so they will give you the information you need or point you in the direction of someone who can help.