To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2023 (6th-12th February), we are celebrating its newest Quantity Surveyor Apprentice, Matthew Hyde from Nottingham, whose past few months at Harron have equipped him with important skills for life.
Matt’s apprenticeship at Harron Homes, which he began in September, is a ‘day-release programme’, consisting of a three-year course with one day per week spent in formal training for his Higher National Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment at Nottingham College in Basford. The rest of the time spent on-site and at the Harron Homes office in Barlborough near Chesterfield getting hands-on experience.
“I’m very happy with this apprenticeship,” Matt, age 21, says. “I’m learning so much each week and gaining new skills every day. Each day has been different, which really makes the job engaging and exciting.
“At college I get to learn the course-based aspects of the job, while the work in the office and on site provides me with more concrete experience. The two really complement one another, as instead of a sudden leap between classroom-based learning and office work, there’s a smooth transition.
“I’ve already put many of the course’s skills to use. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been in frequent contact with subcontractors, which has allowed me to gain more experience in effective, personable and professional communication.
“I’ve also spent my time shadowing the senior Quantity Surveyors, so that I can learn in real-time what sort of responsibilities the role entails, as well as watch how experienced employees deal with the changing duties of the day-to-day job.
“One of my favourite things so far is the mixture of in-office and on-site work. Harron Homes’ houses are gorgeously designed and have some of the best specification in the business; it’s wonderful to be able to walk through the developments and get a first-person experience of the beautiful homes Harron creates.
“The mixture of in-office and on-site work also provides a stronger sense of purpose and connection to the work I’m doing. Being able to see the developments themselves and get a concrete image of the often more theoretical work I’m doing in the office really helps.
“This sense of connection between the work we’re doing in the office and the gorgeous homes on site is something that I see across the company. Every tiny thing Harron do is done with the end vision of creating its customers’ ideal home.”
After several months working with Harron Homes, Matt feels well and truly settled in. “The company has been extremely welcoming,” he says. “There’s a supportive environment here; my supervisors constantly keeping me engaged and constantly learning, and they’re always checking in on my progress and development.
“I’m really pleased with my career choice here. There’s never a dull moment and I’ve learnt so much in a work environment that I really enjoy being a part of.”
Chris Chamberlain, our Commercial Director here at Harron Homes North Midlands, says “At Harron we’ve found apprenticeships to be immensely valuable, allowing employees with less experience in the industry to develop professionally, while at the same time providing a fresh perspective on our established practice.
“I also was trained on the day release course. This is by far the best way to gain professional qualifications whilst gaining hands-on experience at the same time. This really aided the often difficult transition from full time studies to a fulltime working environment. So I feel the apprenticeship is a more effective way of obtaining all round skills learning knowledge whilst furthering your career.
“It’s fantastic to see Matt develop and learn a range of skills and I look forward to seeing him progress with Harron.”
For more information on Harron Homes and for information on our career opportunities, visit https://www.harronhomes.com/careers/.