Leading quantity surveying practice Solomons Europe has ramped up its commitment to developing skills for the future by taking on two new apprentices for its Cumbria team.
Rachel McSharry and George Duxbury have joined Solomons as assistant quantity surveyors while they undertake a Level 6 MSc quantity surveying apprenticeship.
On successfully completing the course, they will embark on a final nine-month leg leading to an MRICS End Point Assessment and review and, if negotiated, secure much-coveted chartership in just three years.
Rachel and George’s arrival takes the number of apprentices at Solomons to six – with half now based in its continually growing Cumbria team.
The SME’s first ever cohort of apprentice started their journey in September.
They are tackling a tough and fast-paced first of its kind apprenticeship which is being delivered in partnership with the University College of Estate Management.
In addition to their course commitments, they will 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: “Solomons is passionately committed to developing and nurturing new talent, particularly those from diverse backgrounds who can bring fresh perspectives gained from the previous work and experiences.
“That’s why we’re delighted to welcome Rachel and George to the team. Without question is going to be extremely demanding and challenging, but they’ve already shown a huge amount of grit and determination to get through our selection process. We’re looking forward to seeing them flourish as part of our Cumbria team.”
Armed with degree in law with French and postgraduate PGCE in modern foreign languages from the University of Chester, Rachel was set on a career in teaching.
However, a lack of opportunities saw the former Netherhall School student who lives in Workington, seek another path that used her skills and experience.
She said: “I was floating in the abyss, thinking to myself ‘I have these degrees but don’t know what to do with them’. I was generally looking for any jobs in the Workington and Whitehaven area when I came across this opportunity at Solomons and thought ‘this is for me!’
“For me it’s about being part of the bigger picture. There’s a lot going on, particularly around Sellafield, and things are moving quickly in the construction industry. I can’t wait to get stuck in and help make a difference,” added Rachel, who will be based at Solomons’ Papcastle Depot offices near Cockermouth.
George, who lives in Milnthorpe, was also on a different career trajectory before joining Solomons. He had his sights set on joining the army having served in the Army Reserve’s University Officer Training Corps while studying for a degree in physical geography at Swansea University.
After changing his mind and spending time out working as an outdoor instructor at Go Ape, Grizedale, he turned his attention to forging a career in Quantity Surveying.
He said: “I have a family friend who was a Quantity Surveyor and he’s done really well for himself and had the opportunity to travel around the world. I was really attracted by the opportunity to become chartered in as short a time as possible and, becoming an integral part of the Solomons team.
“I’m excited about the sustainable projects we’re supporting, such as windfarms and other renewable projects, and I hope to one day be there to support the next generation of apprentices joining the company,” added former Dallam School and Queen Elizabeth School student George, who will be based at Solomons’ base at Crooklands, near Kendal.
The apprenticeships are the latest in a long line of initiatives developed by Solomons to develop talent.
The company continues to successfully deliver career and graduate conversion schemes, provides mentorship and bespoke training, and recently celebrated the first successes of its APC Accountability Club, which supports team members on their journey towards chartership.
