My name is Jordanne Wilson and I am an Apprentice Building Surveyor for Savills Birmingham. I have worked for Savills for 2 and ½ years. In that time have completed a Level 3 Diploma and gone on to start my BSc (Hons) Building Surveying Degree course with Birmingham City University. Building Surveyors are something of a mix between a doctor and a detective of the built environment. We inspect buildings to identify defects, to assess their structural integrity, and propose remedies and repairs. We also have a role in the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment and renovation of existing ones. Building Surveying is a really wide-ranging career with lots of variety and no two days the same, so this is just a small description of some of what we do. 

It’s true that whilst it’s not the most glamorous survey I’ve attended, it was still an immensely interesting, even fun, day on the job and out of the office

This is a drone photo taken by Wide Horizons on inspection of ours of Slingfield Mill in Kidderminster and is a great example of one of the new technologies that is quickly becoming crucial to our job.

Another part of my job I love is that I’m not always out and about, and get some time in the office too. A big part of my job is also working with other departments within Savills which gives me the opportunity to mix with lots of different people. 

Completing your qualifications (for me my diploma and now my degree) whilst working can be challenging at times, but apprenticeships come with the support of not only your team but other apprentices and graduates too. Pictured above are Harriet and Tom, from Accounts and Development respectively. 

Another favourite part of my job, if, at the end of the day, you’ve still not had enough property – the social aspect of surveying is certainly not lacking either. Above is one of the Savills tables at the Midlands Property Quiz 2019.