A Yorkshire-based Quantity Surveyor is highlighting the benefits of choosing an apprenticeship as part of National Careers Week, after building a successful career in construction while earning a degree.
Dan Bellwood Shooter, 22 from York, is based at top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat’s South Leeds office and is approaching five years with the business after joining directly from sixth form.
Now progressing from Trainee to Quantity Surveyor while completing his degree through an apprenticeship programme, Dan says the opportunity to combine industry experience with academic study made his decision an easy one.
Dan explains:
“I knew midway through sixth form that full -time studying at university wasn’t the route I wanted to take. I didn’t want the debt and I was keen to start building real experience straight away. An apprenticeship with Keepmoat offered the perfect mix – I could earn, gain on-site experience and study for my degree at the same time.
“My role at Keepmoat was my first step into the working world after sixth form and nearly five years on, I’m still here because of the development opportunities and trust I’ve been given.”
Now building a career he is proud of, Dan splits his time between university, being on site and the office. His typical week includes one day at university, one day on site and three days in the office, alongside regular meetings, cost reviews and project planning responsibilities.
One of Dan’s proudest achievements to date has been his involvement in the Halton Moor development in Leeds – a 109-home scheme transforming a former heavily fly-tipped brownfield scheme into a thriving new community.
He explains: “To see developments go from wasteland to a fully completed site with families moved in and happy in their homes is so special. Being involved from early pricing stages right through to the roads being surfaced and customers receiving their keys is what makes the job so rewarding.”
Shellie Hope, Social Value Manager at Keepmoat, Yorkshire West adds:
“Dan has shown outstanding dedication and professionalism from day one. He has quickly developed strong relationships across the team and consistently delivers high-quality work.
“His involvement on key sites demonstrates the positive impact our people can have on local communities, and we’re excited to see how his career continues to grow with Keepmoat.”
Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford. To date, almost 70 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites.
To find out more please visit: www.keepmoat.com