McLaughlin and Harvey

In this case study we hear from Scott Pennycook, who is a Quantity Surveyor at one of our key employer partners, McLaughlin and Harvey. Scott completed his Graduate Apprenticeship in Construction and the Built Environment in 2023.

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

I manage the construction costs on a building project, engage with subcontractors to provide quotes and carry out any due diligence to ensure the price is fair before appointing one of them to complete the works. I also deal with the contracts between the McLaughlin and Harvey and the subcontractor including negotiating terms within it.

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

I worked in pensions and studied at night in order to go to university. A friend told me about Graduate Apprenticeships being an option and at that point I researched it myself.

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

The key thing about a Graduate Apprenticeship that appealed to me was being to work and study at the same time.

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

The academic learning gave me insight into more variety in the building techniques that can be utilised in current projects that I may not see on a site and being able to see what may be the next method of working or technology that can help the construction industry.

Having completed the degree I have a greater understanding of a Quantity Surveyor and the methods of construction as a whole.

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

Overall, the Graduate Apprenticeship was challenging but rewarding. I believe it gave me the edge over traditional university graduates as I built up four years of experience along with a degree.

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

It can be a challenge to achieve the work / life balance. However, it’s a great option if you are looking to earn and learn and can give you a better start post university as companies will invest four years into you with the likelihood of being kept on afterwards