Vithusha Easwaran

About my job

I chose an apprenticeship programme due to how it fits my style of learning. I’m practical, hands-on and learn best visually. There is a lot of opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues while on the programme. I am determined to start my career as early as I can, and what better way than a scheme like this. There are also many benefits, such as:

• Getting my degree in Quantity Surveying as I progress throughout the coming years.
• No debt.
• Annual salary.
• Being able to network.
• A guaranteed job after completing the programme.

All these reasons persuaded me to apply for an apprenticeship programme!

I chose Countryside as I wanted a career in Quantity Surveying specifically in Housebuilding, but this doesn’t mean I learn only about housebuilding; my course involves all sorts of construction, therefore I get a wider knowledge about the industry via coursework but while [also] specialising in housebuilding.

Being part of the Countryside programme, I can work with other departments in the business and understand how they impact my job role or how I can help them. Furthermore, I meet new people regularly, such as subcontractors of different trades and I work with them closely to build relationships which will benefit me further into the future of this industry.”

Countryside’s recruiting process was far better compared to other programmes; in terms of being kept up-to date, staff were polite and down-to earth they made me very comfortable.

The initial assessment centre was enjoyable, with lots of other applicants participating in a series of tasks that I thought was a very interesting way to get to know others. There wasn’t just the recruitment staff but also managers and employees from the company joining in; even though it sounded daunting that they will be there to observe us, the tasks were not all industry related. I was afraid of this as I came from a background with no construction experience, but even the tasks that were industry related the staff were there to answer any questions.

When I moved onto the interviewing process, I was connected with two members of staff and the line manager of the region I applied. They interviewed me in a style where they wanted a team member they wanted to work with for a long-time and someone they wanted to invest in. This made an impression on me that if I was successful with my interview, I would accept the offer to become a Countryside trainee because of the career progression available; it was also evident Countryside promoted a healthy work environment.