Building Futures Together: Northumbria University & Sir Robert McAlpine
Jack Chapman, a dedicated Trainee Quantity Surveyor, is thriving in his degree apprenticeship, combining practical industry experience with academic excellence at Northumbria University.
Jack gains real-world skills working four days a week while attending Northumbria University one day per week. This partnership ensures he develops hands-on expertise and academic knowledge — the perfect blend for future career success.
When did you start your Degree Apprenticeship?
I started at Sir Robert McAlpine in September 2024, however, I formally started my degree apprenticeship in January 2025.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship for the prospect of having a well-supported and structured learning to my chosen career path. I am a strong advocate for learning on the job as I believe the practical experience that you get, as well as taught learning will provide you with the knowledge to kickstart a prosperous career. These are the driving factors to why I took the apprenticeship route.
How long is your Degree Apprenticeship in total?
My degree apprenticeship will last until I have completed my chartership, after I have done my degree. This will mean my apprenticeship can last somewhere between 32-50 months ( I would say 3 years as an estimate as chartership can take up to 18 months).
Can you tell us a bit about your professional background prior to starting your Degree Apprenticeship?
A big part of my professional background is the PlanBEE Apprenticeship programme, where I went on six, four-month long placements at different construction companies around the north east where I was exposed to different disciplines including quantity surveying, site engineering, architecture, structural engineering and mechanical & electrical engineering. One of these companies I was placed at was SRM which I took a strong interest in and I loved the contracting side to the industry. Through this apprenticeship I achieved my level 4 HNC and level 5 HND in construction and the built environment. This has helped me gain advanced entry to university on my current course at Northumbria.
Tell us about your role?
I am a trainee quantity surveyor working four days through the week with a day release to Northumbria University. I assist the commercial department in measuring works, carrying out subcontractor valuations, capturing change and helping pull together enquiry documents such as pricing documents and Volume 2’s (Volume 2 is the document which sets out the sub contractor’s scope of work for the package, the completion, quality and sustainability requirements of the works and the package specific logistics).
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day involves reviewing the latest drawings and updating any documentation/measures/estimated final accounts that is related to the drawings. Also, liaising with subcontractors comes with the role on a daily basis – this may include management of variations and agreeing on final accounts.
How has your experience been with Northumbria University?
In the short time that I have been attending Northumbria University, I have been exposed to some fantastic lectures hosted by some very knowledgeable lecturers/speakers which has high applicability to my day-to-day job, boosting my knowledge of the quantity surveying discipline. Furthermore, I have been a huge fan of the lecture style at the university – taking a break every 15-30 minutes to ask questions and to encourage students to speak up if something is not understood; the lecturers have no problem explaining concepts more than once which is reassuring as somebody who is learning. Also, I have found the University’s online portals and systems engaging and easy to navigate.
I have currently been working on the Northumbria University North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) project which is set to finish September 2026, I will then be involved on another project for at least a year until I gain my chartership.
What is the best thing about your apprenticeship?
The best thing about my apprenticeship is the support that I receive from extremely experienced colleagues. The knowledge that you gain on the job is invaluable.
What would you say to others who are thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
I strongly encourage an apprenticeship to kickstart your career in a pathway of your choice, the skills you learn at such a young age will benefit you for the rest of your career and it is also a fantastic opportunity for personal growth with the challenges you will have to overcome. An apprenticeship is also a very rewarding process with the earn as you learn aspect of it.
Discover more about our Quantity Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship here:
Quantity Surveying BSc | Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship | Northumbria
