Graham + Sibbald are delighted to announce the recent success of their Building Surveyor, James Devine, who has been awarded a First Class Honours degree from Glasgow Caledonian University.
Having joined Graham + Sibbald in 2016, James was the first apprentice building surveyor within the businesses Glasgow office, undertaking part time studies while working full time throughout his five-year University course.
This method of on-the-job learning allows students to practice the modules that they are studying in real-life scenarios, ask questions to Senior colleagues and better understand typical daily workload expectations – obtaining skills that cannot be learned in a classroom environment.
James commented: “I find myself very fortunate to have been able to work alongside my studies, especially within such a supportive and encouraging team. I’ve been involved in a number of major projects over the years such as the refurbishment of numerous student accommodation projects within Glasgow, where I undertook daily on-site project management duties as well as assisting in various other aspects of the projects. I’m very much looking forward to the next stage of my career with Graham + Sibbald and gaining more responsibility.”
In 2018, Graham + Sibbald took on their first Graduate Apprentice, Eve Mitchell, following the introduction of their GA Programme, which offers an alternative route towards a career in Surveying. Working in Partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, Graham + Sibbald now have a number student surveyors enrolled on to the four-year Graduate Apprenticeship BSc (Hons) Construction and the Built Environment course which consists of set block release periods three times per annum.
Rhona Smith, Employer Liaison and Student Recruitment Manager at Napier, said: “Graduate Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for employees to gain practical experience and academic knowledge, whilst gaining an internationally recognised qualification through combining work-based learning and university attendance. We look forward to our continued partnership with Graham + Sibbald.”
Next steps for James will be for him to continue his studies towards obtaining his APC which will allow him to become a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor. Graham + Sibbald have a number of RICS trained APC Assessors in-house who are able to support and guide all APC candidates within the business.
Graham + Sibbald are committed to the recruitment, support, development and retention of young people within the business. They have been recognised for their efforts and received a Silver Investors in Young People (IIYP) accreditation in late 2018.
For more information on Graham + Sibbald’s GA Programme, please visit their website – www.g-s.co.uk
