Name: Jacob Mence
Job title: Structural technician apprentice, Buro Happold
What I do: I’m completing a structural technician apprenticeship, which I started in September 2022. I attend college one day a week and work four days a week at Buro Happold. When I’m in the office my day consists of a variety of work including creating 3D models of buildings using Revit, which are then edited and sent to site for the architect to use in construction. Once I’ve finished this part of my apprenticeship, I’ll be a qualified structural technician and can then complete a degree apprenticeship where I can either take go down the engineer route or stick to the technician side of things. Personally, I love the technician side of things so I think that’s where I’m likely to stay.
Why I got into the property industry: When I was in sixth form completing my A-Levels, I didn’t feel like the solely academic route was for me. This gave me the idea to begin looking at apprenticeships so that I could get straight into the workplace and start learning on the job. The more I looked the more interested I got in the idea of an apprenticeship. I started by checking the government apprenticeship website and whittled down lots of options to Buro Happold. The opportunity they offer to travel from office to office, interesting projects, flexible working and getting the qualifications on the job were all huge.
My first proper job: Before beginning my apprenticeship, I worked for a landscaping company. During my studies I also worked in a warehouse in between lessons and would work at a takeaway in the evenings. Juggling employed roles alongside my studies meant I was used to having a busy schedule, so this was another reason the apprenticeship route really appealed to me. It also meant I was used to earning my own money, so I wanted to keep this going while moving up the ladder within the built environment industry.
My first big break: I’ve progressively taken on more responsibility as my apprenticeship has continued. I’m really proud to have worked on the Portsmouth University Building for its university lectures – I contributed to the structural model for it.
My inspiration(s): My head of sixth form was a massive help and inspiration to me when it came to applying for the apprenticeship at Buro Happold. I was studying, philosophy, politics and criminology, so not at all obviously pointing towards a career as a structural technician. My teacher really understood my skillset and passions, and she encouraged me to pursue a career route she knew I would really love. This level of empathy and understanding has continued to inspire me and is something I think we can all learn from.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: The move out of school to working almost full-time in a corporate office was a bit of a culture shock at first. My mentor and everyone at Buro Happold have been incredibly supportive though, so it didn’t take long for me to feel at home in my new surroundings.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Unfortunately, I’m going to have to say watch this space on this one! I’m working on a project at the moment that I’m incredibly proud of, however, it’s still under a non-disclosure agreement so you’ll have to keep an eye out for this to be announced! I’m also proud to have run the Buro Happold Work Experience Week last year and I’m involved in a lot of careers fairs aimed at sixth form and GCSE students where I am able to actively encourage younger people to get into the industry.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: I think the biggest misconception is that it’s a very specific type of person that can be involved in this industry. There are a huge range of roles – technicians and engineers are just one part of the puzzle. For example, you can focus solely on biodiversity and sustainability, particularly with the new biodiversity net gain legislation coming into play. Both of these specialisms will become increasingly vital to every project. You would never imagine these kinds of roles in an engineering firm until you work within or closely with them and I’d like to see it become common knowledge that you don’t have to be an engineer or an architect to contribute to innovative new projects.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Similarly, I find it frustrating that it’s not very easy to find roles within the industry. There needs to be more widespread promotion about routes into the industry and the part you can play. This is one of the main reasons I take part in as much outreach to students as possible so that more young people are aware of all the opportunities.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I think it goes without saying that diversity, equality and inclusion are crucial to any industry. Without equal opportunities to people from all different backgrounds, the industry would miss out on a whole range of creative solutions to problems that come from having a diverse employee base. It’s great to see that the industry, which was previously very male dominant again because of stereotyping when it comes to roles, is becoming much more balanced in terms of something like gender.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: Another reason I was so excited to join Buro Happold is because the business is so focused on making a positive impact to the environment and the wellbeing of its employees. This includes initiatives such as the Net Zero Route Map, recently published on our website, and the mentoring you receive during your apprenticeship.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: Qualified, doing a degree apprenticeship and still progressing as much as I can within Buro Happold.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Isambard Kingdom Brunel – who wouldn’t want to pick the brains of one of the most innovative engineers in our history?
What I do in my downtime: I’m a keen gym-goer and love to go out running in my free time.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Honestly? I’m not sure. As soon as I came across this opportunity, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. Otherwise, I’d likely be at university studying the same thing.
My advice for someone just starting out: Relax! I found myself very nervous when I first started, but it’s much more inclusive and supportive than I expected. Don’t get me wrong, you need to be prepared to put the work in but it’s fine to make mistakes because you’ll only learn from them.
My motto/mantra: Never stop learning.
National Apprenticeship Week took place between 5 to 11 February 2024. To find out more about the initiative visit the government’s apprenticeships website.
