MARCH

In this case study we hear from Alis Marshall who works with our employer partner, MARCH®. Alis is now in her third year on our Construction and the Built Environment GA programme.  We also hear from Alis’ workplace mentor, Gary Taylor.

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

I am employed as Mechanical Buyer within the Procurement department of our Tannochside Office, just outside Glasgow.

Within the Procurement department, I am responsible for issuing material and sub-contract enquiries, gathering quotes, analysing submissions from our supply chain and presenting data to our contract team for both commercial and technical appraisal. Although I am principally responsible for procurement of mechanical applications, this responsibility can occasionally extend to electrical provisions too.

Primarily, my job is to acquire the necessary materials and services to meet the needs of each project, within budget. In addition to this, I ensure that these items are available to us at a competitive cost, in a timely manner to meet project program delivery requirements, whilst working alongside key team members to make sure both technical, sustainability and quality objectives are achieved.

Can you give us some background? What you were doing before your Graduate Apprenticeship, and how did you hear about the opportunity?

I had been working in the construction industry for over 15 years in a variety of roles. I was employed as an estimating assistant when I made the initial application to the GA Programme. My primary reason for applying was that although I have years of real-life experience, I had no formal qualification to evidence my knowledge or skills.

I was made aware of the GA Programme by our HR Manager, on the back of discussions I had relating to my own personal development in my role and my aspiration to achieve a formal qualification to assist with career progression.

What was it about the Graduate Apprenticeship that appealed to you the most?

I was attracted to the benefit of being able to study as an undergraduate whilst working and having the ability to ‘earn as I learn’. I also felt confident to move forward with my decision knowing I would be fully supported and mentored by my employer. I think that learning whilst working offers a richer learning experience.

How have you found balancing working whilst studying towards a degree?

I have a great deal of support from the wider team and a determination to succeed in my studies.

I try to plan ahead and set small, achievable, realistic targets to ensure I make high standard submissions, on time.

What is your proudest achievement to date in your role and how has this helped deliver results on behalf of your organisation?

During my time as estimating assistant, I identified a gap in the process which I felt was critical. We were receiving quotes from the supply chain for each project, but there was no analysis of data with regards to who was returning quotes and supporting our estimating team, and how the quotes were placed in terms of market competitiveness. As such I created a spreadsheet containing raw data collected from 3 months of estimates processed and used this data to create a chart / graph detailing the performance of the supply chain.

When I was happy with the data, I developed a visual presentation for management, who were really impressed with what I had diligently created.

From this, I have been asked to present similar reports which allows us to review sub-contract performance, based on input/comments from the wider team. We have used this evidence to support presentations to clients, evidencing how we review and assess our supply chain.

Where do you feel you grew and improved the most through this apprenticeship experience?

As there are many deadlines to be met throughout the academic year, I have adopted robust time management and planning skills. The GA programme has also introduced topics that I wouldn’t typically have exposure to, such as Net Zero Goals, Sustainability.

What I love about Heriot-Watt’s GA programme is the diversity of the courses offered - they’re not limited to construction and technology. One of the courses that I felt was extremely inspirational was C17GS Business Skills as delivered by Dr David Steinberg. This particular course introduced concept ideas, the art of asking questions and really inspired me to reframe my personal and professional perceptions and refine social skills.

Has your Graduate Apprenticeship enabled you to take on additional responsibilities / opened up promotion opportunities?

During my studies, I have had various opportunities to meet with the wider team, who I would not have normally engaged with. In doing this, I have successfully showcased skills and talents gained from working towards a degree which has led to successful promotion opportunities.

Can you outline what support your employer and the Uni has given you in your GA journey?

My organisation, senior management team and colleagues have offered unwavering support throughout my studies and wholeheartedly celebrate and share any news relating to my academic achievements.

“Our People” is an important part of our workplace culture and we have a collaborative learning and development team.

What are your future career hopes and goals on completion of the Graduate Apprenticeship?

Upon completion of the GA Programme, I hope that this will create desirable career and interdepartmental opportunities to allow me to successfully progress within the construction and built environment industry into a management role.

Innovative skills and knowledge gained from the GA programme will put me in good stead to do this.

How would you sum up your overall experience of the Graduate Apprenticeship programme so far?

The GA programme has supported me with gaining confidence, enthusiasm and opportunities to engage in new skills and apply them in the workplace.

The course has encouraged me to analyse theoretical concepts and acquire new knowledge using independent and collaborative learning opportunities.