Meet our new team of apprentices at Derwent London

Introducing (L-R): Rebecca Shorthouse - Apprentice Facilities Manager, 25 Savile Row W1; Monsur Khan - Apprentice Facilities Manager, 25 Savile Row W1; Keiran Joseph - Apprentice Building Manager, 20 Farringdon Road EC1; Nadeem Miah - Apprentice Building Manager, White Collar Factory EC1 & Ikram Hussain - Apprentice Building Manager, Tea Building E1.

For #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, we asked them to share their thoughts about their journeys to date, the challenges and what they enjoy the most.

What was your first job?

Nadeem: I started doing part-time hours after school as a waiter, serving food and drinks. I gradually started taking on more responsibility until I was running shifts, managing the front-of-house and helping out in the kitchen. I have also worked in care working with people with autism, learning difficulties and challenging behaviour.

What did you expect from the apprenticeship programme? Has anything surprised you?

Ikram: I was really surprised by how welcoming the company has been. Since I started, everyone has been engaging and easy to talk to. I feel like I can speak to people at all levels very openly.

What key skills have you learnt so far that you’ll apply to the rest of your apprenticeship/career?

Monsur: From my time working at various buildings, I have learnt how important communication with the occupiers is, for example, providing updates on any raised issues and gathering information so it can be reported to the relevant people. I’ve also learnt how essential note-taking is! I continuously go back and rely on my notes.??

Ikram: Teamwork is crucial when working and it often leads to a solution. Asking questions is also key; as an apprentice, I know that I am not expected to know everything, therefore I will always ask questions whenever I’m unsure.

What advice would you give someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?

Becky: It is a perfect way to get hands-on experience within a role you love. There is no ‘right way’ to enter a profession but doing an apprenticeship allows you to fully embody what you are learning. Just be sure you have the time and energy to invest and immerse yourself fully in every opportunity.

Nadeem: If you’re like me where university didn’t work out or if you don’t think it’s right for you, definitely consider an apprenticeship. Instead of taking out a massive loan, you learn as you would in university, but you get paid for the learning and work you do. On top of this, you get the experience that a lot of companies look for (and that graduates sometimes lack).

What is your favourite thing about your job and about working at Derwent London?

Keiran: My favourite thing about my job is interacting with my occupiers and thinking of new ways to resolve an issue they’re facing.

Becky: I enjoy the changing dynamics, both within my role and the portfolio. The variety of buildings, occupiers and services delivers fresh challenges which offer an opportunity to consistently learn. Also, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure delivery is of the best quality. Of course, the family-type culture within Derwent is something which resonates throughout the company and enhances the working environment massively.?

What motivates you to work hard?

Ikram: My family is a big motivation to work hard, I would like to ensure that I can afford to look after them. Also, Maruf, who was also an apprentice at Derwent, is another huge motivation for me after hearing about everything he has achieved over the years. Finally, Derwent itself massively motivates me as everyone is one big team, everyone supports each other and helps each other when help is needed.?

What is your favourite Derwent London building and why?

Keiran: My favourite building is Brunel Building; I like its unique design and its location right by the canal.??

Monsur: From an educational perspective, Morelands has a lot to offer. From dealing with occupiers' needs to managing project works or investigating issues. This building has given me valuable experience in understanding the process of investigating leaks, for example, and the escalation and reporting processes of this.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

Keiran: My proudest achievement to date is being able to complete and pass my level 2 AAT accounting qualification whilst also dealing with a personal tragedy.?

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

Becky: My morning coffee - an oat latte with vanilla syrup! I am definitely not a natural morning person, so having one to kick-start the day is a must.?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Monsur: I hope I am in a successful managerial role, where I can use my knowledge and experience to help the company progress. Also, I would like to mentor apprentices like myself, as I feel like I would have a lot to offer them.??

Nadeem: I hope to be working in my own building as the Building Manager, just as I’ve seen my manager Graham here at White Collar Factory fulfil his role. I see myself becoming well-established in London, having made my parents proud.

Keiran: In 10 years, I see myself taking over my first building as a fully fledged Building Manager.

Ikram: In 10 years, I hope to be in a secure permanent role as a Building Manager or even a Village Operations Manager within Derwent. I would like to have moved out into a new house and also invest in some shares within Derwent.

Becky: Managing contracts, leading a team and delivering great service. Facilities Management is a constantly evolving field where new technologies and innovations are key to delivering the best projects and buildings in the industry.