At Ecogee, investing in people is at the heart of how we work. As the business continues to grow, so does our commitment to developing future talent, and apprenticeships play a vital role.
We recently caught up with Josh, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Ecogee, to hear his perspective on the value of apprenticeships and what it’s like supporting Joseph, our Quantity Surveying Apprentice.
The role of a Quantity Surveyor
The role of a Quantity Surveyor varies widely depending on the business and sector. As Josh explains, no two Quantity Surveyors will have the same daily tasks, and that’s part of what makes the profession so diverse.
“A Quantity Surveyor manages the costs, contracts, and risks of a construction contract, but the role can also include cost estimating and producing bills of quantities which are detailed documents to show exactly what needs to be built, allowing contractors to submit accurate and comparable tenders.”
Why Ecogee decided to hire a Quantity Surveying Apprentice
“Ecogee is a growing business with big ambitions, and having the right team in place is essential to supporting that growth. Hiring an apprentice is one of the best ways to build that team as you get the opportunity to watch someone develop their skills and progress as the business evolves.
“I was hired straight out of university and, although I wasn’t an apprentice, I experienced first-hand how having a clear development plan and growing alongside a company can benefit both the individual and the organisation. With Joseph now gaining his apprenticeship, there’s no doubt he’s in an even stronger position to develop his career and contribute to Ecogee’s success.”
Supporting Joseph’s development
Joseph is supported day‑to‑day by both Josh and fellow Quantity Surveyor Sophie. Each manages different contracts, so they coordinate between themselves to decide where Joseph can provide support.
“We make a conscious effort to ensure Joseph gains exposure to all our contracts so he can experience the full range of work types, clients, and contractors involved in our projects. Alongside this, we’ve given him specific daily responsibilities to help him build ownership and confidence, rather than simply stepping in as an extra pair of hands when needed.”
Joseph’s positive impact
“I am most proud of Joseph’s eagerness to learn and his willingness to ask questions. He has also supported the team by taking on some of Sophie’s workload from the Cobalt contract, which has allowed her to focus on developing new skills and gaining experience on different projects. This positive knock‑on effect has improved our overall efficiency and helped lighten my workload as well.”
Apprenticeships and social value
For a business rooted in Liverpool and the wider region, creating opportunities for young people “strengthens our social value commitments, which plays an important role when tendering for contracts.”
“Apprenticeships give us the opportunity to invest in local talent while demonstrating our dedication to supporting the wider community.”
How supporting an apprentice has shaped Josh’s leadership style
“As a new manager, I’ve learned over the past year that everyone is different, with their own personalities, strengths, and ways of working. It’s important not to apply one management style to everyone, as what motivates one person may not work for another. Adapting your approach is essential to building a strong and confident team.”
“I also think it’s easy to forget that we all started out not knowing very much. It’s important to be patient and understanding especially with apprentices. No one should be expected to know everything from day one, and creating an environment where questions are encouraged is key to helping people grow.”
What apprentices bring to the business
“Apprentices bring a fresh perspective to the team. A new set of eyes can see things differently and often spot opportunities for improvement that others might miss. With the rapid pace of technological change, apprentices can also introduce new ideas, digital tools, and more efficient ways of doing things that can benefit the business.”
A promising future for Joseph
“I believe Joseph can go as far as he wants within the organisation. Ecogee and Regenda offer a fantastic pathway for internal progression, and ultimately it will be up to him to decide how high he wants to climb the ladder!”
Why Josh recommends businesses should hire an apprentice
“I would hire an apprentice again when the time is right. Although having a small commercial team at Ecogee means supporting an apprentice can take up a significant amount of time, the long‑term benefits make it more than worthwhile!”
Advice for future apprentices
“Grab the opportunity with both hands and come in with the right attitude! Employers are far more likely to invest their time in someone who asks questions, stays engaged, and genuinely wants to learn.”