National Apprenticeship Week: Meet Reuben
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve been having conversations with our apprentices past and present to find out what they gained from the experience.
Meet Reuben. He joined Connect immediately after college, as an Admin Support Officer. He made such an impression on his team that he was encouraged to take on an apprenticeship with us.
Name: Reuben Davis
Current Role: Apprentice Building Surveyor
Apprenticeship: Construction in the Built Environment Level 3
When did you join Connect?
I joined Connect in September 2022. Originally, as admin support in the Compliance team and then I started my apprenticeship in February 2023 with the Asset Investment team.
Why did you choose to pursue an apprenticeship?
I was working in the Compliance team and Kevin McAllister, the Head of Assets, suggested it would be good for my development. He explained the paths I could progress on to, like asset investment and overseeing planned maintenance. I was straight out of college and completely new to housing and construction and I was eager to learn. I also saw it opening new opportunities for me so I couldn’t pass it up.
How are you finding the experience?
It’s going great. I’ve been doing really well in college and I’m finding the job stimulating. Richard Ayrton, the Service Manager in Assets, has a background working as a college assessor so he understands the process and is able to mentor and guide me. He has also given me opportunities to lead and get involved on specific cases that would enhance my studies. I’ve been enjoying the responsibility given to me.
What is your favourite thing about being an apprentice?
It offers a flexible route into the working environment. You get responsibility on the job but can also learn – you’re always enhancing your professional knowledge of techniques and skills. It’s a great option for people like me who learn better on the job.
What’s your proudest achievement as an apprentice?
The technical knowledge I’ve gained. For example, I didn’t know much about the tendering process or how to compare different quotes. I was recently on a project where I had to contact three different contractors for a roofing repair, and pull together a presentation, which I then had to present to the Leadership team at Connect. The experience was a good challenge, and I had great support, so I felt confident in my decisions. It made me feel like I had a real influence on the project and like the work that I was putting in made a genuine impact on the customers at the block.
What are you thinking of doing in the future?
I’m not completely sure just yet- you can go into a wide variety of roles after completing my course. My managers at Connect have spoken to me about extending my contract, so that’s an option. I do eventually want to go on to a full-time surveyor role and I’ve loved my time at Connect and really appreciate how my team have supported my growth.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?
Absolutely! It’s a great balance for someone who wants to learn but also get out there and make money. I have friends that went straight on to university after college but that’s not for everyone. It’s been really good for me to be able to develop my professional knowledge.
