A former Government communications contract expert has embarked on a pioneering new apprenticeship with Solomons Europe that could see him become a chartered quantity surveyor in just under three years.
Jack Riley, of Whitehaven, has joined Northern-based practice Solomons as an assistant quantity surveyor while he undertakes a Level 6, MSc quantity surveying apprenticeship.
On completing a two-year MSc quantity surveying course, he will embark on a final nine-month leg leading to an MRICS End Point Assessment and review.
If successful, he will secure much-coveted chartership – something that can typically take upwards of five years to achieve.
The tough and fast-paced apprenticeship is a first of its kind and is being delivered in partnership with the University College of Estate Management.
In addition to undertaking the apprenticeship course, Jack will also receive in-house training and gain invaluable experience working on projects spanning power, energy, renewables, highways, infrastructure, process and utilities.
Victoria Clements, people and performance manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jack to the Solomons team.
“Resilience, drive, self-motivation and capability were all qualities we looked for during the intensive recruitment process, and they’ll need that in abundance if they’re to complete what must be one of the most challenging apprenticeships out there.
“Like many sectors, quantity surveying is facing a skills shortage at a time when those skills are in growing demand. This is our fresh and bold attempt to reskill talented people from other industries and backgrounds and supporting the next generation.”
Jack joins Solomon’s growing Cumbria team. He will be based at the company’s Papcastle Depot offices near Cockermouth.
Jack has worked in a diverse range of Government communications contract roles including pilot testing of the NHS COVID-19 Track and Trace service and the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol for post-Brexit export and import procedures.
Prior to that he undertook a degree in outdoor adventure and environmental sciences at the University of Cumbria.
He said: “I’d never, ever thought about becoming a quantity surveyor, but when I saw this opportunity with Solomons I looked into it more and thought it would be something I could be quite good at.
“I get a lot of enjoyment out of being challenged, but I didn’t feel like I was being particularly challenged any more so was generally looking for new opportunities. Solomons sounded like a great company that invested in their people, so I jumped at it.
“It’s nice to have a three-year plan mapped out and that there’s the prospect of a job at the end. That’s really tantalising. It’s going to be a real learning curve but it’s going to be a lot of fun too.”
