AN apprenticeship has led Lauren Mann, 18, from her Swindon classroom towards achieving her dream of working as an estimator for construction company Beard.

Lauren first became interested in training with Beard when, as a Year 9 student at Dorcan Academy, she was offered a work experience placement in the company’s administration department in Swindon.

“I enjoyed my work experience, so I started to consider pursuing a career with Beard,” Lauren said.

“I was offered a part-time summer job which progressed into doing reception work for six months. A position to train as an estimating assistant was identified by Beard and it was this role that I was appointed to.

"I remembered how much I enjoyed working in estimating and I knew that, through an apprenticeship, I could learn on the job while earning money.”

This year, following various performance management discussions, Beard offered Lauren the chance to progress on with her career and to begin training as an estimator along with undertaking an estimating course that will enable her to become qualified.

“I’m really looking forward to the next step of the training process and to becoming qualified," she said.

"I love everything about this job; the work is interesting and the team is really supportive which makes it easier to get up in the morning.”

Lauren started her apprenticeship when she left school at 16 and believes that it was her loyalty to Beard following her work experience that made her a front-runner for the job.

“My previous work experience in the estimating department and my summer job working on Beard’s reception desk meant that I was a head and shoulders above the other candidates with regard to experience and proven dedication.

“When applying for an apprenticeship, it’s important to show a company that you’re willing to work hard for them if they are going to invest in you.

"For me, the interview process was relatively straightforward.

“I had one interview with Alan Beard and a second with the construction director’s personal assistant.

“It was quite daunting at first, but everyone was friendly which put me at ease.”

Through the structured apprenticeship framework, Lauren has received help, support and mentoring from her colleagues and the Beard management team, which has helped her to develop and hone the skills needed in her field.

“Initially, I was surprised by how much estimating work I was given to do,” Lauren said.

"I thought it would mainly be admin stuff. My first task was sending out enquiries by email. I was quite nervous at the beginning because I didn’t want to make any mistakes but people were always on hand to ask if I needed help.”

Since joining Beard in 2012, Lauren has been involved in a variety of projects.

For her most rewarding have included travelling to various locations to set up events showcasing some of Beard’s projects.

“The part of my apprenticeship that I’ve enjoyed the most was getting involved in business development and helping to set up events to promote our projects and to network.

“One of my favourite events was at the Steam Museum in Swindon.”

When Lauren completes her apprenticeship she will have a Business and Admin Level 2 and an ITQ Level 2 qualification which she ultimately hopes to use to continue her journey to becoming an estimator.

Upon completion of these qualifications she will move on to do an ONC and HNC in Building Studies with the possibility of undertaking a degree.

“It’s been great getting hands-on work experience and being paid for it.

"I feel that I have gained valuable life skills such as teamwork and genuine work experience that will give me a better chance of securing future employment in the field that I love.”

Profits are growing

Beard expects to continue its strong business performance this year after delivering a record set of financial results for the year ended 31 December 2014.

The 2014 South West Construction Firm of the Year reported a 47 per cent leap in its pre-tax profits for the period, up from £1.4 million in 2013 to £2.1 million.

Against challenging trading conditions for the UK construction industry in general, Beard has managed to buck the trend. Turnover grew 15% for the period to £88.1 million (2013: £77.3m). The company’s order book also rose by 50 per cent from £40 million to £60 million over the period while cash flow remained exceptionally strong, with cash balances often exceeding £6 million. Beard’s current order book stands at £58 million.