WorkWise Apprenticeships
Finding the right career path can be challenging for young people. Questions about qualifications, training opportunities, apprenticeships and how to get a foot on the career ladder can often feel overwhelming.
To help answer those questions, Express FM has partnered with Mountjoy and City of Portsmouth College to launch Workwise - a podcast which helps young people, students, apprentices and job seekers explore careers, develop workplace skills and hear real stories from professionals across a wide range of industries .
WorkWise Apprenticeships
WorkWise Podcast Episode 7: Building a Career in Quantity Surveying with Aidan Whitlock
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What does a Quantity Surveyor do, and how can an apprenticeship help you build a career in the construction industry while earning a degree?
In Episode 7 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, Leon speaks to Aidan Whitlock about his journey into quantity surveying, the opportunities that apprenticeships can offer, and why he believes they are a fantastic route into the industry.
Aidan began his career at Mountjoy in November 2022 as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor. In the role, he supported the commercial team with costing projects and gained valuable experience in the financial and contractual side of construction. This early experience helped him build a strong understanding of how projects are planned, managed and delivered.
As his knowledge and confidence grew, Aidan took the next step in his development. In September 2024, he became an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor and enrolled on a Level 6 Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship.
This six-year programme combines practical workplace experience with university-level study, allowing Aidan to work towards becoming a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor while continuing to earn and gain hands-on experience in the industry.
Throughout the episode, Aidan explains what quantity surveying involves, the skills required for the role, and how balancing work and study has helped him develop both professionally and personally. He also discusses the benefits of degree apprenticeships and how they provide an alternative route to higher education without following the traditional university pathway.
Away from his day-to-day role, Aidan has also played an important part in promoting apprenticeships to the next generation. For the past two years, he has visited local schools on behalf of Mountjoy, sharing his own experiences and helping young people understand the opportunities available through apprenticeship programmes.
In this conversation, Aidan offers honest advice for anyone considering a career in construction, explains what he enjoys most about quantity surveying, and reflects on the journey he has taken so far.
If you're interested in construction, business, finance, project management, or degree apprenticeships, this episode provides a fascinating insight into a career that plays a crucial role behind the scenes of every successful project.
Listen now to hear how Aidan is combining practical experience with higher education and building a career as a future Chartered Surveyor.
If you have any questions about the podcast, apprenticeships or Mountjoy please send us a message.