Name: Daniel Vincent
Job title: Apprentice estimator/quantity surveyor, Legendre UK
What I do: I work on the contractor side of quantity surveying, which means I procure subcontract packages, produce contracts, manage payment procedures and deal with day-to-day commercial matters. I also work on the pre-construction side during the tendering process of projects.
Why I got into the property industry: I initially wanted to work in finance and looked into accounting, but I decided that property and construction offered a more well-rounded and dynamic role that suited my personality better. The ability to see the tangible assets you’re working on really appealed to me.
How I did it: I took a pretty traditional route into construction, applying through platforms like Rate My Apprenticeship and directly on company websites. Knowing how competitive apprenticeships can be, I applied to a good number of firms and I was lucky enough to be shortlisted for a few.
My first proper job: I worked on site for my stepdad during my school holidays at a large contractor, first as a storeman and then later as a quality assurance assistant in brickwork.
My first big break: Definitely starting at my current role as an apprentice at Legendre UK.
My inspiration(s): I don’t have one specific inspiration, but I’m driven by a strong determination to work as hard as I can and be successful.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: My biggest challenge was trying to get a degree apprenticeship during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was tough as many firms reduced or cancelled their apprentice intake during that period.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Being trusted to take on the role of commercial lead for my current project, with my commercial director visiting weekly. I’ve really enjoyed the amount of responsibility I’ve been granted at such an early stage in my career.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: Many people don’t see construction as a ‘professional’ industry, and overlook how diverse and challenging these careers can be.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: The pressure put on construction firms. Profits don’t always filter down to construction and this can result in a climate like our current one, with many businesses being forced into administration.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I believe that having a diverse industry will only promote better innovations and methods, that will propel the sector to be more successful.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: The property industry, while not the most environmentally friendly sector, has a huge opportunity for change. I believe there’s so much room to improve and we can really make a positive impact on the environment.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: My ambition is to have progressed a great deal in the next five years, moving into a senior quantity surveyor role. I have also considered the idea of opening my own business but I’m not sure if this will be in this time frame.
What I do in my downtime: I love playing golf when I can, though lately my schedule’s been packed with university work as I’m in the final months of my apprenticeship. It’s a juggling act, but I’m looking forward to getting back on the course when I can.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I’d probably have fallen into the financial sector or something similar, as I would have gone to university and studied accounting.
My advice for someone just starting out: Don’t be selective in the firms you apply to and do your research for the roles you are going for. Be honest about the type of person you are, as you want to make sure the job is right for you.
My motto/mantra: Work hard, play hard; do the hard yards and you will be able to enjoy the returns!
The 10-14 February 2025 is National Apprenticeship Week. Click here to find out more details about the initiative.
