AN apprenticeship has led Lauren Mann, 18, from her Swindon classroom towards achieving her dream of working as an estimator for construction company Beard, gaining qualifications and being paid at the same time. 

Lauren first became interested in training with Beard when, as a Year 9 student at Dorcan Academy, she was offered a work experience placement in the company’s administration department in Faraday Road, Swindon.

“I really enjoyed my work experience, so I started to seriously consider pursuing a career with Beard,” Lauren says.

“I was offered a part-time summer job which progressed into doing reception work for six months.

"A position to train as an estimating assistant was identified by Beard and it was this role that I was appointed to.

"I remembered how much I enjoyed working in estimating and I knew that, through an apprenticeship, I could learn on the job while earning money.”

This year, following various performance management discussions, Beard offered Lauren the chance to progress on with her career and to begin training as an estimator along with undertaking an estimating course that will enable her to become qualified.

“I’m really looking forward to the next step of the training process and to becoming qualified, " she said.

"I love everything about this job; the work is interesting and the team is really supportive which makes it easier to get up in the morning - I want to do this forever!”

Lauren started her apprenticeship when she left school at 16 and believes that it was her loyalty to Beard following her work experience that made her a front-runner for the job.

“My previous work experience in the estimating department and my summer job working on Beard’s reception desk meant that I was a head and shoulders above the other candidates with regard to experience and proven dedication,” Lauren said.

“When applying for an apprenticeship, it’s important to show a company that you’re willing to work hard for them if they are going to invest in you.

"For me, the interview process was relatively straightforward; I had one interview with Alan Beard and a second with the construction director’s personal assistant. It was quite daunting at first, but everyone was very friendly which put me at ease.”

Through the structured apprenticeship framework, Lauren has received help, support and mentoring from her colleagues and the Beard management team, which has helped her to develop and hone the skills needed in her field.

“Initially, I was surprised by how much estimating work I was given to do,” Lauren said.

"I thought it would mainly be admin stuff. My first task was sending out enquiries by email. I was quite nervous at the beginning because I didn’t want to make any mistakes but people were always on hand to ask if I needed help.

"I have greatly improved my proficiency at typing and talking on the phone together with my letter writing and research skills and have also mastered the use of Microsoft Office, including Excel, which is a highly valuable tool in this line of work.”

Since joining Beard in 2012, Lauren has been involved in a variety of projects. For her most rewarding have included travelling to various locations to set up events showcasing some of Beard’s projects.

“The part of my apprenticeship that I’ve enjoyed the most was getting involved in business development and helping to set up events to promote our projects and to network. One of my favourite events was at the Steam Museum in Swindon.”

When Lauren completes her apprenticeship she will have a Business and Admin Level 2 and an ITQ Level 2 qualification which she ultimately hopes to use to continue her journey to becoming an estimator.

Upon completion of these qualifications she will move on to do an ONC and HNC in Building Studies with the possibility of undertaking a degree.

 “I wouldn’t have got to this stage as quickly if I hadn’t done the apprenticeship with Beard,” Lauren said.

“It’s been great getting hands-on work experience and being paid for it.

"I feel that I have gained valuable life skills such as teamwork and genuine work experience that will give me a better chance of securing future employment in the field that I love.”