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Apply todayG&T's Steph O'Dwyer Scoops Apprentice of the Year Award
Congratulations to G&T assistant project manager Stephanie O'Dwyer named 'Apprentice of the Year' at RICS YSOYA (Young Surveyor of the Year Awards).
We caught up with Steph to find out how she got to where she is now and her plans for the future.
INTERVIEW
Q: What does it feel like to be named 'Apprentice of the Year' in this year's RICS YSOYA?
A: "I still can’t quite believe it. I felt so honoured to have been nominated but to have won makes me even prouder. To be joined at the awards by my mentors and colleagues at the RICS Young Surveyor of the Year Awards was a really special moment."
Q: Tell us a bit about your career journey so far?
A: "I first heard about G&T during an insight assembly at my old school, Heathcote, where G&T was sponsoring the Design, Engineer, Construct! (DEC!) course through the Adopt a School Programme. During my GCSEs I did work experience placements with QS (Quantity Surveyor) and PM (Project Manager) teams at G&T, before being invited back whilst completing my A Levels, to interview for an apprenticeship.
In September 2018 I ended up joining the firm as the first PM apprentice."
Q: What's one bit of advice you would give to someone thinking of undertaking an apprenticeship in project management?
A: "I genuinely love it and would recommend the pathway to anyone! The people I’ve met, the projects I’ve worked on and the experiences I’ve had, have been nothing short of incredible.
I’ve been lucky to have opportunities open to me that many people my age might not think were possible. I love the fact I can walk around London and point out schemes in the skyline that I’ve worked on and say “I built that” and then roll off an interesting fact. It’s extremely rewarding to be a part of an industry that drives innovation and sustainability by pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible, so that we can build a better future.”
Q: As the newly named 'Apprentice of the Year' what are your next steps?
A: "As a dedicated advocate of the profession, I want to continue to encourage new talent to join. My next immediate step is the APC but then who knows! One day I hope to become a senior figure in the industry, showcasing just what you can achieve if you enter via an apprenticeship."
We were proud to continue our support of the RICS YSOYA, championing alternative entry routes to the industry such as apprenticeships and ensuring a resilient and diverse generation of professionals are able to realise their potential. Congratulations to all the finalists and other category winners, who demonstrate everyday what the profession is about.