Name: Jordan Vandepeer
Company: CA Fire Protection Ltd
Job title: Quantity Surveyor
More than a degree – a chance to build professional networks and earn
After doing his research online, Jordan Vandepeer saw that a University of Greenwich degree apprenticeship was a great way to begin his dream career as a quantity surveyor. “I knew the programme would give me the ability to gain real-life, hands-on experience while earning a full-time income and learning a degree-standard skill that will be with me for life,” he says.
“I was keen to gain a vast knowledge of the construction industry and more specifically of passive fire protection, which is the niche sector I mainly work in. I hoped to experience the commercial side of a range of different projects and the processes that need to be taken to ensure smooth running of these projects commercially.”
Many valuable networking opportunities
Jordan was also keen to develop a professional network as quickly as possible, which was another advantage he identified when looking at degree apprenticeships.
“Having a degree is highly respected in the industry and working while learning has allowed for many networking opportunities that probably wouldn’t have been possible if I’d been doing a full-time degree,” he says.
More beneficial than full-time studying
Jordan soon discovered that there were other valuable benefits of choosing a degree apprenticeship over studying full-time. “Traditional education just doesn’t allow the same opportunities as a degree apprenticeship. For example, the course is paid for, which potentially means much less debt. You also get hands-on experience, which is massively beneficial and puts you ahead of the game – especially ahead of those who only study a full-time course.”
Great support from all sides
Jordan was quick to praise the support he received both from his employer, CA Fire Protection Ltd, and the University of Greenwich.
“The help that my employer has given me and the facilities have been extremely valuable. For example, at work we have a training room which we are free to use to focus on university studies. This is completely separate from my work desk and computer. And at the university library you have access to a vast array of free books containing critical information for your coursework.”
Work hard to reap the rewards
Jordan is quite open about the amount of hard work a degree apprenticeship involves.
“It is a great way for you to gain hands-on industry experience while learning a skill and, as such, it is a very worthy option to consider. As long as you are ready to put the work in, you will reap the rewards.
“Do not expect the course to be ‘easy’ alongside a full-time job, as it is fairly difficult,” Jordan warns. “But it will put you miles ahead if you’re able to get the necessary work done without any excuses. You must be able to manage your time effectively. This is key. It will make your life much easier throughout the apprenticeship.”
A career-enhancing experience
“My career path has definitely been improved by doing this apprenticeship,” Jordan says. “I’ve learnt a lot about both the commercial side of construction projects and about the industry in general. I’ll take this experience forward with me in order to constantly improve.
“It’s been a really rewarding experience. I’ve been able to work alongside a great team, while adding value from knowledge that I’ve gained from my studies and applying it to practical situations.”
