4 April 2012
QS apprentices become employees at WYG
A leading multi-disciplinary consultancy is supporting the UK government's push for more apprenticeships to bridge the gap between education and employment and appoints two quantity surveyors (QS).
For the past year Tweeds, part of the WYG Group, with the help of Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) who funded the placements, has provided on-the-job training to two QS apprentices and has now taken the apprenticeship further and appointed the pair permanently.
Shaun McKee and John Thompson, working out of the Liverpool office, will continue to work on a variety of projects, including some large-scale buildings worth millions of pounds, developing their experience and careers further.
Dave Duncalf, Director of Tweeds part of the WYG Group said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to tackling youth unemployment. As a large employer we want to create opportunities which raise young peoples’ skills and aspirations, and help support their career development.
“For many job seekers who haven’t had the chance to gain a professional qualification or gain experience whilst studying, apprenticeships give them increased skills and career opportunities as well as a nationally recognised qualification.
“The pair have shown real commitment throughout their time with us and gained invaluable hands-on experience in project management and cost consultancy.”
Shaun and John have been working on a range of projects including £100m office and retail development in Liverpool, large commercial developments in the city centre to housing extra care developments and multi-million pound mixed use developments.
Shaun McKee, Graduate Consultant, Tweeds said: “The opportunity has been fantastic for giving me a platform to learn new skills, being pro-active in the industry whilst perfecting technical knowledge in a classroom. Tweeds have given me a level of support and independence to forge a career path keeping me highly motivated. The chance to work in my home city aiding the development of the built environment means a great deal.”
John Thompson, Graduate Consultant, Tweeds said: “I have been really pleased with my time so far at Tweeds. The whole experience has been incredible. As my confidence and ability has grown Tweeds has challenged me to continue developing as an employee and achieve my RICS professional accreditation within the next two years which I find really refreshing.”
Picture caption: L/R: Shaun McKee and John Thomson
