Heathrow Shared Apprenticeship Scheme: Chisholm & Winch
It would be fair to say, that 2020 was a year of acute change, challenge and ups and downs for all of us. We have had to adapt
to new ways of working and indeed, new ways of living. But, how does this play out, in real life, for those that are at the start
of a new career?
Our case study series will shine a spotlight on some of the Apprentices currently working through their placements on the Heathrow Shared Apprenticeship Scheme. The Scheme brings together Heathrow’s major construction companies, and offers Apprentices the opportunity to work across several disciplines on a range of exciting Heathrow projects and gain nationally recognised qualifications at the same time.
Luca Capacci, Quantity Surveying Apprentice, Hosted by Chisholm & Winch
Meet Luca
Before joining the scheme, Luca had been on a gap year following college, deciding which step to take next. He was working at a local supermarket and doing gardening work for a family friend. In the end, Luca decided in favour of an apprenticeship rather than university as he saw the benefits of starting a career whilst learning in the workplace. Luca applied for numerous apprenticeships previously, but found it difficult to make any headway as companies were often not setup to handle apprentices
in Luca’s field. This could have meant an early end to a career that had not yet begun, but after being invited in for an interview with the Shared Apprenticeship Scheme, Luca was convinced this was the correct path for him. Luckily, the Shared Apprenticeship Scheme is fully equipped to deal with this rather common situation. After passing the Shared Apprenticeship
Scheme’s vetting stages with flying colours, Luca was placed with Chisholm & Winch.
Luca’s Apprenticeship
Luca started his apprenticeship based in the heart of Heathrow Airport, at Terminal 3, allowing him to keep his finger on the pulse of Chisholm & Winch’s day-to-day activity. He enjoys the work that he has been given by Chisholm & Winch as it continually keeps him on his toes. Specifically, he is responsible for providing quotes and valuations, writing CVI’s, cost reports, payment applications and organizing schedules. “My time with Chisholm & Winch has been thoroughly enjoyable, I feel like I’ve learned so much in a short space of time, and having an experienced surveyor such as Mark Read to guide me has enabled me to progress quicker than I initially thought possible.”
Luca is also attending Westminster Kingsway College, enrolled on a Level 3 Surveying /Technician Apprenticeship where he is learning all aspects of surveying, some of which he is able to apply in his current role and some of which will help him with his future development in the industry. He enjoys meeting with his assessor regularly, but does warn future Apprentices to “Make sure to keep organised, maybe invest in a planner to help you prioritise your work”.
Luca’s host employer: Chisholm & Winch
Chisholm and Winch have continued to work throughout the pandemic and
lockdowns despite being on a reduced scale at Heathrow Airport. Luca has been assisting on the following live projects:
“Since starting, Luca has been an invaluable asset to the Chisholm & Winch team. His ability to learn quickly and carry out tasks to a high standard have enabled his colleagues to assign him more responsibilities as his apprenticeship has progressed. Commercial management and Surveying duties have remained unchanged throughout [the pandemic], including the following: – formation of quotations, measurement / assessment of C&W site progress, measurement / assessment and processing of sub- contract accounts, assistance with internal costs reports – CVR’s – and Luca has had key input in them all.” – Mark Read, Senior Quantity Surveyor, Chisholm & Winch.
What’s next for Luca?
Luca is contemplating furthering his education and completing a degree whilst remaining at Chisholm & Winch. He thoroughly enjoys working for the company and takes inspiration from colleagues who have also taken this route.
