Name: Sydney Miller
Job title: Apprentice surveyor at the Gallagher Group
What I do: I’m an apprentice surveyor at the Gallagher Group, a leading family-run construction company based in Kent. Gallagher Group specialises in groundworks (the preparation work for a construction project), civil engineering and property development. I have been with the company for two and a half years, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the construction industry.
Why I got into the property industry: I have always aspired to work in property development and eventually establish my own business. I studied a T Level qualification in construction, a programme that combines academic learning with hands-on industry experience. This has equipped me with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue a career in property development, an area I’ve been passionate about for as long as I can remember. The T Level programme introduced me to an industry I’ve always admired, allowing me to explore my passion while gaining real-world experience and insight into how the property world operates.
How I did it: I enrolled in a T Level construction course, which involved both classroom-based learning and a 45-day industry placement. During the course, I spent three days a week at college, building a strong academic foundation, and two days gaining invaluable on-site experience. This structure helped me apply what I learned in real time and develop a practical understanding of the industry. On my T Level, it was exciting to see how the theory I learned in lessons connected with real-life situations on site. This blend of knowledge and practical application gave me a deeper understanding and made my learning feel much more relevant and rewarding.
My first proper job: My first meaningful experience in the sector came through my T Level industry placement at Gallagher group, which then led to my first proper job. During my T Level course, I attended my industry placement at Gallagher. I gradually got to know the business and they got to know me. By the time my placement ended, they had a clear understanding of my strengths and learning style, and I had gained confidence and first-hand industry experience. It led me to being offered a degree apprenticeship in chartered surveying, tailored to what I could bring to the company. Once I started my apprenticeship, I felt like I had a solid foundation, and I wasn’t a complete newcomer who needed constant training. Overall, I think taking a T Level was a huge advantage, both for me and my employer.
My first big break: Securing a place on the T Level programme was an essential moment for me. It validated my aspirations and gave me experience that aligned with my career goals. I truly believe that completing my T Level influenced my desire to pursue a degree apprenticeship and gave me the confidence to take that next step at university.
My inspiration(s): Growing up in a family rooted in construction, I’ve always been inspired by the industry. My dad runs his own business and I used to spend my holidays working alongside him – laying bricks, building home extensions and new offices. Seeing both of my parents work hard definitely influenced my decision to go into construction and gave me the confidence to do something I love. Now I am in the industry, the variety and challenges within construction keep me excited every day, alongside the opportunity to work in a field I genuinely enjoy. The idea of one day running my own property development business also keeps me motivated.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: When I shared what I was studying, many people told me that I wouldn’t succeed. Overcoming that initial judgement and proving my capability in a male-dominated environment has been one of my most significant challenges and also, one of the most rewarding.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: My proudest moment was when I got my job at Gallagher Group, following my T Level industry placement. Not only did I meet expectations, I exceeded them. I’ve demonstrated that gender should never be a barrier to success in construction or property development.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: There’s a persistent misconception that construction and property development are industries reserved for men. This outdated belief continues to discourage many talented women from entering the field. I’m committed to challenging that narrative and showing that success in this industry is about skill, not gender.
The one thing I would change about the industry: I would like to see a shift in public mindset about women in the construction industry. I think this would really help young women, like me, when entering the industry.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: I’m really passionate about ESG because I think it represents the future of the construction industry. It’s about building responsibly, supporting communities and creating a more sustainable world. As someone who came through the T Level route and started working in construction at 16 years old, I’ve learned that it’s not just about putting up buildings, it’s about understanding the impact we have on the environment and the people around us.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: In five years, I hope to be working as a property developer, ideally managing my own projects and potentially running my own business. I want to be in a position where I can influence the industry positively.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: I’d invite Princess Diana because she was such an inspiring woman who broke down barriers and changed how people viewed compassion and leadership. She wasn’t afraid to challenge expectations and showed that kindness and empathy are powerful strengths, something I think is really important in any industry, including construction. I think having the chance to talk with her about resilience, confidence and staying true to your values would be incredible. She proved that leadership isn’t just about authority, it’s about humanity, which is something I try to carry into my own career.
What I do in my downtime: I love spending time with my friends, whether that’s going out locally or planning spontaneous trips away. I try to go on as many mini-breaks as possible because I really enjoy travelling and exploring new places. I think it’s important to take time to experience new things and make memories, especially when you work in a busy industry like construction. It helps me come back to work refreshed and full of new ideas.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: If I wasn’t in construction, I think I’d love to do something creative that still involves planning and design, maybe something like interior design. But I also love travelling and being spontaneous, so maybe something that combines both, like working abroad on different projects or exploring how construction and design work in other countries.
My advice for someone just starting out: Don’t let being different hold you back. Whether you’re the only woman in the room or come from a non-traditional background, your perspective is valuable. The industry is evolving and there’s space for everyone. Stay confident, work hard and never underestimate your potential.
My Motto: “Build with purpose, lead with resilience” is about staying focused on what matters and not letting setbacks knock you off course.
