Mimi Molinero - National Apprenticeship Week

What attracted you to Pick Everard?

The initial factor that drew me to Pick Everard was its solid reputation. Being a well-established company, I value the sense of job security and the prospect to advance my career through involvement in diverse projects. I believed Pick Everard could provide these opportunities. Before my interview, I had the chance to meet representatives from Pick Everard at the NTU Degree show. During our conversation, we discussed the challenges of being a mature student, and I sensed a genuine understanding from them. This experience reinforced my perception that Pick Everard fosters a robust people culture, making it a potential workplace for me to achieve a desirable work-life balance, which is a top priority for me.

Could you tell us a little bit about your programme of study and how it’s structured?

I am enrolled in the Architect Level 7 Apprenticeship program at Nottingham Trent University. To ensure the right balance between work and study, the course has been organized with timetabled 'study days' in addition to the required attendance of one day a week. These 'study days,' which would otherwise be taken at any point throughout the academic year, are now scheduled. In the first year, I attend university two days a week and work for the rest of the week. This approach results in a structured week consisting of a block of study and a block of work experience, making the process more manageable.

Help us understand a bit more about the type of work you're doing as an apprentice at Pick Everard?

I am based in the Derby office, and my experience primarily revolves around working on educational buildings. My work mainly involves assisting in various stages of project development, including tasks such as creating drawings, working on models, producing visuals, and contributing to design documents. As my skills develop, the team increasingly involves me in the collaborative aspects of the architecture profession, involving attendance at project-related meetings, participation in site visits, and discussions on design decisions and project development. The overarching objective is to provide me with a comprehensive exposure to the various stages outlined in the RIBA Plan of Work, fostering a well-rounded understanding of architectural practice."

What does an average day look like for you as an apprentice?

The apprenticeship course at NTU incorporates 'study days' into the timetable. In Year 1, this means attending university on Mondays and Tuesdays, with the remainder of the week dedicated to work.

On the first university day, I mostly participate in structured activities like coursework brief discussions or group tutorials that are aimed to enhance my work progress. Sometimes there is other module-related learning scheduled, for example a site visit or other practical activity.The second day is used to self-directed learning. During this time, I focus on individual assignments, working either at home or at the university depending on agreements with tutors.

Despite the sessions running on a 9-5 schedule, the university's flexibility allows me to pick up my son from school, spend some time with family, and catch up on any unfinished work before bedtime. The workday typically begins with catching up on any outstanding tasks and emails. I often have a brief conversation with my mentor and other colleagues, providing an opportunity to share updates and seek advice on my work.

What advice would you give to other young people thinking about doing an apprenticeship?

If your workplace is willing to support you, go for it! However, it is important to acknowledge that an apprenticeship may not be suitable for everyone, as it requires a lot of effort and dedication to both the workplace and university.

So, my advice is that during your 'year out,' you establish a routine by assigning yourself a daily task after work. This could involve activities such as working on your portfolio, reading a book, or conducting research on a topic that interests you. I believe the key to success lies in practicing commitment to the task and time management skills.