Building a Career from the Ground Up: From Bell Ingram’s First Apprentice to Chartered Surveyor

This National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with our Thirsk based Rural Surveyor, Pippa Reynolds MRICS about her experience as Bell Ingram’s first ever apprentice. Since joining the firm in 2018, Pippa has completed her apprenticeship and passed her APC to become a fully qualified chartered surveyor.

Find out more about her career journey in our Q&A below.

You joined us right at the start of the UK apprenticeship scheme – what made you choose an apprenticeship route, and what were your expectations when you first began?

I chose the apprenticeship route as I felt it would give me more practical experience alongside studying and would be especially beneficial when it came to sitting my APC. My main expectation was to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and learn from people around me while completing my degree.

Looking back, what were the biggest challenges you faced during your apprenticeship, and how did you overcome them?

There were times where it was difficult to balance both working and studying, particularly in my final year where I had more responsibilities at work as well as doing my dissertation and preparing for my APC. I tried to be effective in managing my time by blocking out periods to focus on each task individually and reminding myself this wasn’t forever!

How did the combination of on-the-job experience and formal study help you develop as a surveyor, compared to a more traditional route?

I found the combination of study and on the job experience really helpful when it came to relating what I was being taught in lectures to how it would play out in real life. I think this helped provide context and by the time I sat my APC I already had 5 years of work experience compared to the traditional 2 which definitely helped with my confidence.

Becoming a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor and now an Associate is a huge milestone – what moments or achievements along the way stand out most to you?

Passing my APC was a huge achievement and Is something I am very proud of, I will always remember the day I received that result! I knew from the start of enrolling on the apprenticeship scheme that my aim was to become qualified so to see it through was very satisfying.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship today, and how would you describe the long-term career opportunities it can offer?

I would highly recommend considering the apprenticeship route, for me it’s a no brainer. You come away with a degree, 5 years’ experience and ready to sit your APC which I think makes a candidate stand out to employers in comparison to a standard graduate. There is also the added benefit of no student debt and earning whilst studying!