National Apprenticeship Week – building a strong foundation
This week marks National Apprenticeship Week – a week dedicated to celebrating and highlighting the importance apprenticeship programmes have on people across the UK.
Acting as a springboard to futureproof workforces by increasing the knowledge and skillset across a business, apprenticeship schemes also boost careers for the long term. At Countryside, we are committed to supporting that purpose and the careers of our apprentices.
We caught up with two of our apprentices from across the company who have been involved in a range of projects as part of their apprenticeship scheme to discuss their experience on building their future with Countryside.
Firstly, we focus on Georgia Astbury, Construction Trainee, Merseyside and Cheshire West who, having joined as a welfare attendant during the pandemic, went on to develop an interest in site management. After watching first-hand the roles and responsibilities involved, she decided to apply for our Trainee Assistant Apprenticeship Scheme.
Georgia says, “Being a kinaesthetic learner, getting hands-on-experience while learning more about the role has been the best part of this scheme. What Countryside offers has really enabled me to look at every aspect of the job and it has made me really excited for my future working within the construction industry. Having worked at Countryside for a year prior to joining its apprenticeship scheme, I knew I’d enjoy it here with its friendly culture, but the team really has gone above and beyond, and they’ve been fundamental in helping me learn and progress my career.
We also caught up with Vithusha Easwaran, Trainee Quantity Surveyor, South West. “I chose the apprenticeship scheme due to how it fits my style of learning. I’m practical, hands-on and learn best visually. There is a lot of guidance available during the scheme granting numerous opportunities to learn from people in their everyday jobs. I am determined to start my career as early as I can, and what better way than a scheme like this. Benefits such as getting my degree in Quantity Surveying as I progress throughout the coming years, no debt, an annual salary whilst studying and being able to network with the guarantee of a job after completing the scheme. These reasons persuaded me to apply for an apprenticeship scheme.”
To find out more about our apprentices and what training we offer at Countryside, visit our Early Careers page.
