National Inclusion Week: From Apprentice to Associate - My Journey at KK

My journey with KK began with a week of work experience in Year 10. Following that placement, I was offered an apprenticeship, and looking back, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

I had developed an interest in Building Surveying through my dad, and the opportunity to gain real-world experience while continuing to learn really appealed to me. I wanted a career that offered variety, responsibility and opportunities to develop, alongside an employer that invested in its people and supported long-term progression.

During my work experience week, I quickly built relationships with the team and could see that KK would be a great place to learn and grow. After discussing the apprenticeship route with my dad, it felt like the right choice.

Starting work was naturally a little daunting because it was such a different environment from school, but everyone made me feel welcome and I settled in quickly. The support across the office was fantastic, and working with different colleagues helped me develop new skills and build strong relationships.

One of the biggest surprises was how varied Building Surveying is. Before joining, I thought it was mainly about inspecting buildings and writing reports. In reality, it involves project management, problem-solving, client relationships and teamwork, making every day different.

Throughout my career, I've developed a broad range of technical, commercial and interpersonal skills, including building pathology, project management, report writing and leadership. In those early months, I was most proud of building confidence in a professional environment and applying my learning to real projects.

I've been fortunate to work alongside colleagues who have been generous with their time and expertise. Their guidance and support played a huge role in my development from apprentice to Chartered Building Surveyor and Associate.

The culture at KK is supportive, collaborative and inclusive. From the beginning, I was trusted with meaningful work, involved in projects and given increasing responsibility, which helped accelerate my development and build confidence.

When I look back, my proudest achievement is seeing how far I've progressed within the same business. Going from a Year 10 work experience student to an Associate and Chartered Building Surveyor reflects both the opportunities I've been given and the support I've received.

Looking ahead, I want to continue developing professionally, expand my expertise and support the next generation of surveyors entering the profession.

My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is to be curious, ask questions and make the most of every opportunity. Don't worry if you don't know everything at the start. Learning from experienced colleagues and gaining practical experience is invaluable.

Most importantly, never underestimate where a single week of work experience could lead. My own journey started with just five days in Year 10 and has grown into a rewarding career that I'm proud to be part of today.