Oscar Anderson, construction apprentice with Berkeley Group, started his apprenticeship in January 2024 and is working towards TechCIOB. Nicky Roger speaks to him
Tell us about your role.
My role as a construction apprentice involves ensuring that the site is compliant with health and safety and quality assurance, and ensuring that the team are fully prepared with equipment and materials prior to the commencement of Milton Keynes East.
What attracted you to the property industry?
I started within the industry as a number of my relatives have worked within construction and it has always appealed to me due to the fact that every day is different, and you get to experience working in and outside of an office environment.
I began working with a roofing contractor in London and applied for the Berkeley apprenticeship programme after a family member made me aware of the scheme.
The best thing about being an apprentice?
The best part is that I am given the space to learn and grow at a pace that feels comfortable. It is also a great opportunity to be able to gain a qualification while also gaining real-life work experience. I enjoy being part of a team to get prepared and set up for the beginning of the build programme, as I am able to see the project from the very start.
What do you find challenging about it?
The challenging part can be finding the right balance between studying and participating in the activity taking place on site. Every day is so different, therefore it requires you to be adaptable and react to deadlines.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about working in construction?
A lot of people don’t understand how much work goes into a project. They might visually see the building work taking place, but they are completely unaware of the other departments that are a huge part of the process such as land and planning, commercial and technical etc.
What comes next after your apprenticeship? Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I would like to continue with site management and focus on applying the skills I have learnt into my role. I would also like to explore the option of gaining additional qualifications further down the line.
I can see myself progressing my career at Milton Keynes East and applying my apprenticeship knowledge and skills into a more senior position. As this project is the largest in terms of land size, it would be great to work on Milton Keynes East and see the site progress. I think being a part of the original site team and setting the foundations for the future of the site will have a good impact on the business.
Any advice for someone considering a career in construction?
Be a sponge! Embrace the unknown and all of the learning experiences; don’t ever be afraid to ask questions.
