Arcadis

In this case study we hear from Jodie Moir, who is a Project Cost Consultant at one of our key employer partners, Arcadis. Jodie completed her Graduate Apprenticeship in Construction and the Built Environment in 2023.

Please describe what you are employed to do in your current role

Arcadis are a global design consultancy who specialise in working with their clients on the natural and build assets to deliver sustainable outcomes. Our four major business lines are; Water, Buildings, Environmental, and Infrastructure. Arcadis’ mission statement is “Improving the Quality of Life”.

I am a project cost consultant working on large purpose build student accommodation projects as part of the Scotland Property team in Edinburgh. I deliver commercial management for our clients.

What you were doing before you started your Graduate Apprenticeship and how did you find out about it?

I was already employed by Arcadis and was working in an administration capacity under a framework for a global banking client. My interest in quantity surveying was sparked by the financial work I was doing – processing invoices.

Where did you hear about Graduate Apprenticeships as an option to upskill/reskill?

A colleague of mine had actually just signed up to the same programme, looking to do project management, we made the decision to undergo the course together!

During your degree, how did the Graduate Apprenticeship help you in your job (and your career)?

While there were elements of the course that covered areas that I hadn’t experienced in my career, there was so much that I was able to apply to my work in terms of terminology and awareness of processes and the wider construction industry. I feel that it also gave me confidence to be more involved in my day-to-day.

Since completing your Graduate Apprenticeship, how has your job role and /or career evolved?

I started at a graduate level, moved to assistant, and then to project cost consultant. I feel that studying and working in tandem put my experience ahead of fresh graduates and got me to where I am quicker – not without maximum effort of course!

Looking back, how would you sum up your Graduate Apprenticeship experience?

Challenging, and difficult to balance with full time work and personal commitments.

Looking ahead, how do you think your Graduate Apprenticeship will impact your future career?

The fact of having a degree will help with future career opportunities and I have the experience of the process that I can pass on to other, junior members.

If someone was considering a Graduate Apprenticeship, what advice would you give them?

Make sure you have the right support in place. Having an appropriate and willing mentor is key – I wouldn’t have got through the course without mine (with full time work and personal commitments).

As mentioned above, balancing the apprenticeship with full time work is an incredible amount of effort and time. Having the other GAs as a little network was another key factor.