Finlay Woodburn

By hosting the apprenticeship programme, the company offers apprentices guidance through their chosen university course by appointing them a dedicated mentor.

This allows each trainee to gain insight into both the industry and the business through exposure to the range of professional services offered within the business – including cost management, project management, building surveying and construction health and safety. This experience can aid them in determining what direction they would like their career to take when they complete their apprenticeship.

Finlay Woodburn, 22 from Glasgow joined Thomas & Adamson in 2018. Through Glasgow Caledonian University he is currently in his second year of his BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying. Like many apprentices, he has had to deal with the challenges of the last year in working remotely and undertaking his studies online.

Finlay said: “The last year has presented many challenges, however, the University reacted quickly to move study online, minimising disruption to our studies and continuing to provide support.

“I have been at Thomas & Adamson for 2 years and gained valued experience and insight on a wide range of projects across multiple sectors. The support I receive from my experienced colleagues provides me with exceptional knowledge, which will help me to become a better quantity surveyor.”

Derek Banks, 29, from Edinburgh joined the company in 2010 and has undertaken a range of roles across different disciplines and sectors. He is currently undertaking BSc (Hons) Construction and the Built Environment at Heriot-Watt University as part of his graduate apprenticeship programme.

Derek Banks

Derek added: “My role at T&A is such a varied role, no two days are the same. It is great to be part of an amazing team and working on some incredible projects.

“Equally the supportive nature of team members helps me whilst undertaking my BSc (Hons) in construction and the built environment. I was lucky enough to gain experience across the range of departments, which has enabled me to make an informed decision about my chosen career path as a project manager, which I am thoroughly enjoying.”

Upon completing their apprenticeships, Finlay and Derek will both become qualified in their field and become integral members of the quantity surveying and project management team.

Alastair Wallace, senior partner at Thomas & Adamson, commented: “We are immensely proud of all our apprentices and how they have adapted to the challenges of the last year. They have all proved themselves to remain committed to their studies and undertaking their day-to-day roles.

“It is extremely important to us to invest in nurturing talent, and through this ethos people stay with us for a long time because of how they are valued and how they progress through the business. It’s great to see our young people develop their skills, and we would encourage any business to recognise the important role apprentices can play in the workplace.”