Q&A with James Clempner, commercial Apprentice at Fisher German

James, you didn’t follow the typical apprentice path initially. Can you explain what made you choose an apprenticeship pathway with Fisher German?

JC: I had actually already been working at Fisher German for around 18 months when I began my apprenticeship. Before this, I spent more than 10 years working in a variety of customer-facing, managerial roles. Through conversations with my line manager and the head of our commercial sector, I made the decision to formalise my training in the field of commercial property surveying. It was through my own research, along with recommendations from Commercial sector head Duncan Bedhall, that I originally considered doing an apprenticeship. Following this, I took the time to research the available routes and an apprenticeship really appealed to me because it is a much more direct route to qualification due to the dual nature of workplace training and study.

So doing an apprenticeship wasn’t your first choice?

JC: In short, no. I left university (some years ago now!) before completing my degree and had always said that I would only return to education for something that I was really passionate about. Finding my feet in surveying is the reason I changed my mind about studying - the apprenticeship is simply the most engaging way of doing it, working and studying alongside one another. It’s very different to the university experience.

How have the team at Fisher German supported you?

JC: The team helped me to make that initial decision to train and decide which route to take, and they have continued to support me fully in my first 8 months into the course. My colleagues are always on hand if I need them to lend their expertise to the subjects I’m studying at university and are very supportive of the time required away from the office to complete the learning part of the qualification.

Has your role changed at all since you started the apprenticeship?

JC: My role has not actually changed since beginning the apprenticeship, however my time balance certainly has! I am still undertaking a similar level of work, while also fitting this around the time required to study. So far, I must say I am enjoying the challenge!

Do you find it difficult then to fit in studying alongside working?

JC: I would say that study and work go hand in hand together. Admittedly, there is a little more time pressure on my work, as I now have to fit everything into four days a week, with the other day spent studying, but I am enjoying it so far!

Does it leave you with any time to enjoy the social and training events at Fisher German?

JC: The company holds regular social events either regionally or firm-wide, as well as ongoing training and formal CPD days so if you can’t make it to one event due to work or study commitments, you know another one will come around soon! They are also great at fundraising for charity and taking on Born Survivor at Capesthorne Hall has been one of the most enjoyable challenges, though that isn’t to discount the inter-office rugby 7s tournament!

How is the team supporting you in maintaining a work/life balance?

JC: The main accommodation is through flexibility with my weekly off-the-job study day. While we have an agreed day for each week, as and when this needs to change, be that for an assignment or exam, my line manager is always flexible with me.

So overall, what would you say is the best thing about being at Fisher German?

JC: Having joined a couple of years ago, I had plenty of opportunity to settle in before starting my apprenticeship which was a huge bonus. But I would say that the best thing about working here is the culture. Our office environment is always professional, yet relaxed with great people to work alongside. We have a great team here in Knutsford who all get along fantastically. When in the office, we all work hard, we do it as a team and we share the job of making a brew!

Finally, what advice would you give to someone starting an apprenticeship with Fisher German?

JC: Start with your eyes wide open. It is a big commitment, working and studying at the same time. BUT, if you have the drive, commitment and determination to do it, you will enjoy the experience every step of the way, all the while working towards a qualification which will stand you in good stead for many years to come.