Q&A with our first year Chartered Surveyor apprentice's, Nick and Jemima
Harman Basra BSc (Hons) Assoc CIPD / FIoL / FLPI
Senior Learning and Development Manager at Fisher German LLP
Jemima Cooke
What attracted you to pursue an apprenticeship at Fisher German?
Fisher offered me an opportunity to build a future in a career path that interested me greatly. Working both in an office environment and out in the field is something I had always wanted, as I’m very much a country girl. The fact that Fisher German wanted to invest in me as an individual and aid my pathway to become a fully qualified chartered surveyor – they’re investing in my potential for the next 5 years, which is something I couldn’t decline. The point that FG also hold their values highly and care about their family community also attracted me, taking into consideration the social efforts for their employees and even the little things, like amenities for dogs etc shows that FG really care about their staff. Something any employee values and that is another reason I was attracted to the company.
How have you settled in to life at Fisher German?
I’d like to think I’ve settled in well to my office environment, and to the company! Perhaps my face being published along side an article within my first week helped to boost my profile… but I absolutely love meeting every employee and chatting away about the apprenticeship and my office, along with the projects that others are dealing with. Stafford have been really accepting, welcoming me with open arms – couldn’t ask for a better bunch really! There’s support in every aspect of the office to help my apprenticeship degree, from Estate Management upstairs with the likes of Charles Meynall and Rob Browne, there’s always an opportunity to look through brochures in Agency with Loren Harvey and Victoria Oldham. And I’m absolutely loving Utilities and the team – they’re all willing to help me learn and work at my own pace. My project team, James Pegrum (line-manager) and Sarah Furber are a huge support mechanism and I enjoy working alongside both of them, as they help me with everyday tasks. I’ve nearly been at FG just shy of 6 months, and I’m already offered opportunities to venture out on my own to do certain scheme related tasks – e.g. Records of Conditions, Landowner liaison, working with the contractors (STWL and their subcontractors). I have the support but I’m also offered independence too, which helps to boost the working confidence.
What are the top 3 things about working at FG?
The people, the projects I get to work on and their environments I get to visit (regarding schemes) and the opportunities to grow/develop to help improve my networking connections.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
A huge believer that Rugby is far superior to Football… (Rugby fanatic).
Would you recommend the FG admin apprenticeship to others?
Absolutely ! A huge promoter of the pathway and the company – can’t shut up about the opportunities most of the time!
Nick Robinson
What attracted you to pursue an apprenticeship at Fisher German?
The idea of working for a nationally recognised company with such a high quality of APC training was the biggest attraction for me. When the time comes for me to begin preparing, I’m sure I will be utilising the wealth of knowledge Fisher German can provide.
How have you settled in to life at Fisher German?
Within a week it felt like I had been there a year! Everyone is very welcoming of newcomers and as the company has been expanding there are plenty of new faces.
What are the top 3 things about working at FG?
- The NU+I team are a great bunch, often socialising after work really helps the team pull together and make us a close knit group.
- No two days are the same, from referencing parcels of land for a major project, to being on the road doing property inspections for power companies. It certainly keeps you on your toes!
- The idea of working whilst learning is a key positive for me, the apprenticeship they offer has opened a door for me to become a qualified surveyor.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I spent 4 months in America on a summer camp teaching teenagers how to waterski and sail.
Would you recommend the FG admin apprenticeship to others?
If you have the chance to do so, then do it! From starting uni in October last year I’ve enjoyed every minute of the apprenticeship!