I’m currently in my second apprenticeship rotation at CBRE, working with the Business Rates team in Birmingham. Since joining this team I’ve gained a wealth of experience. I've already participated in site inspections, exploring over 300,000 sq ft of industrial units for a well-known client whilst also inspecting large shopping centres in and around Birmingham. Last year, I was part of the industrial agency team, where I engaged directly with clients and hosted launches for industrial units, including one featuring over 8 million sq ft of prime logistics development. I also managed critical data throughout the process. This hands-on approach highlights how apprenticeships provide immediate exposure to real business situations that aren’t typically available through a university route. 

Ms Gilbert (careers head) provided me with a lot of support. She helped me prepare for interviews and find a suitable apprenticeship pathway for me. She sat me and my mum down and went through a checklist to see whether the university or apprenticeship pathway was for me. This enabled me to decide which pathway suited me best easily. 

At CBRE, my apprenticeship has immersed me in real-world experience, proving that hands-on learning opens doors that traditional university routes often don’t cover.