Work Experience Case Study

After successfully completing Destiny, our virtual work experience program,  Sixth-former Thomas was offered a quantity surveying placement with our North London Commercial department and tells us about the impact of both opportunities. 

We asked Thomas what had interested him in applying for Destiny?

I signed up so I could gain further understanding of the home building industry as it is something I found intriguing.

Thomas then told us about how Destiny impacted his career knowledge, goals and aspirations.

The Destiny program helped me to initially understand the expectations of quantity surveying. Before Destiny my interest towards a career in the industry was neutral and my knowledge was poor, but it’s now strong in both areas. I would recommend the program to others.

Following on from Destiny, Thomas was then offered an in-person placement with the business, shadowing a, Senior Quantity Surveyor, for seven days.  

Thomas tells us how this additional placement has further supported his knowledge, interest, and excitement for the industry.

I have enjoyed the quantity surveying work experience and it is something I will consider for my future career. The in-person work experience has improved my knowledge of what quantity surveying is and I now feel I have developed a greater understanding of the role. This has helped me in deciding my future goals and aspirations.

A particular highlight for me was visiting Countryside Partnerships' Kilburn site, this helped me to understand and link the work I was doing in the office to the physical end-product.

Adding in some final comments, Thomas tells us about his future.

Following on from both placements, I am more aware and better understand the work of a quantity surveyor and their responsibilities. From my placement I learnt about their role within the commercial department and when I attended a meeting I learnt about a quantity surveyor's role in communicating with other external representatives.

After I have completed my A levels, I would like to do a degree apprenticeship and having completed these work experience placements, I have a better understanding of what I would like to do a degree apprenticeship in!

About Destiny 

Destiny offers students in year 10+ the chance to take part in virtual work experience, spread over ten hours, which they can complete flexibly in their own time.

This varied program introduces the students to a wide range of careers within housebuilding, including construction; quantity surveying; technical; development; land and new business; sales; marketing; and customer service.

The students will also learn about key aspects of the business, such as; modern methods of construction, social value, and the business’ approach to sustainability.

Students also get the option to complete projects, putting themselves forward for further work experience with Countryside.

All students will also get the opportunity to learn about Countryside's Early Career Programmes.