APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT – MEET CLARA

Clara

 

1) What tasks and activities does your role typically involve?

I don’t have a typical day, as my schedule varies from week to week. My time is split fairly evenly between site work and office work, and I also spend one day each week at university as part of my apprenticeship. The variety in my role keeps it interesting because I work on different projects with different team members and use a wide range of equipment.

I work on a broad range of projects, including highway surveys, river erosion and scour surveys, building surveys, and drainage schemes. When I’m in the office, I complete lots of admin jobs, such as risk assessments and permits. Alternately, when I’m out in site, I’m completing topographical surveys, working with external companies and carrying out rekkies.

2) What inspired you to choose to complete an apprenticeship?

When I was doing my GCSE’s, I completed a DBE (Design and Built Environment) course which touched on the careers available that were available within the Built Environment. Then for my A-levels, I completed the DEC course (Design Engineer Construct), throughout which I had lots of support and career advice from Alison Watson.

I always really enjoyed site work and loved being outside! I never wanted to be stuck in a classroom and I didn’t want the debt that I knew would come with university. Plus, you hear so much about employability rates and many coming out of uni find it hard to find a job. I think this is the best route into the profession as you get the site experience which full time students don’t, but you also need that learning and classroom side, all while earning money.

3) What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learnt so far as an apprentice?

The most valuable thing I’ve learnt so far as an apprentice is to apply my knowledge and actively test out what I’ve learnt in real situations. I’ve also learnt the importance of being comfortable enough to ask questions. Even though I’m the youngest on my team by eight years, I’ve never been made to feel like I can’t ask questions or take the time to fully understand something. Everyone has always been more than happy to share their knowledge and support my learning.

 

4) What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career so far?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced so far in my career has been the sheer amount there is to learn. As a geospatial land surveyor apprentice, I know that developing the necessary skills and knowledge takes time, and although I’m not in a rush to master everything quickly, I still put pressure on myself to perform well. I especially feel that pressure when it comes to processing, as I really want to get things right the first time and ensure my work is accurate. It’s important though not to put too much pressure on yourself and know that learning will take time as no one ever knows everything.

 

5) What excites you most about working in the industry?

What excites me most about working in the geospatial industry is the constant innovation. I love that there is always new technology emerging and that we are continually pushing boundaries and breaking barriers. It feels like I am part of something that is always evolving, testing new ideas, and finding better ways to do things.

As a female in the industry, I also feel proud to be breaking barriers in my own way. Being part of a field that has traditionally been male dominated motivates me to contribute. I love that I get to inspire others and show that there is a place for more females in the industry.

I enjoy how dynamic the industry is. It is always moving and changing, which means there is always something new to learn. I love exploring new software and developing my skills further. I find it genuinely fun and interesting, and that excitement keeps me motivated every day.

 

 6) What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship?

I would encourage anyone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship to reach out to anyone and everyone and ask questions. So many people are willing to give you opportunities if you simply ask. From my experience, people in this industry have been happy to help and support me. The geospatial industry especially needs more young people and more young women, and I have found that many professionals are eager to open doors and offer guidance.

 

7) What’s one myth you’d love to bust about your profession?

Only men work on site!

8) One word to describe your job:

Adventurous

9) Best career advice:

Stay curious