At Hollis, we’re passionate about growing and developing skills that drive success, contributing to our company’s successful future and empowering workplace productivity. A key way we achieve this is though our award-winning apprenticeship programme, creating alternative pathways into employment. 

Our apprenticeship scheme continues to expand and thrive. We’re pleased to have had 34 apprentices join the company with eight successfully completing their apprenticeship and are now fully qualified.  

Currently, there are 22 apprentices in the business working across building surveying, cost management, building services engineering, facilities, and audit & compliance teams. Since the programme began, we’ve been proud to receive several nominations and awards from UCEM Built Environment Apprenticeship Awards, National Apprenticeship Awards, and RICS Matrics Awards as a testament to our bright apprentices and supportive teams. 

Developing skills and bridging gaps  

Apprenticeships offer a blend of hands-on experience and theoretical learning. Through on-the-job training, apprentices can gain practical skills in their chosen field while also enhancing their technical abilities and industry-specific knowledge. This combination is essential for developing key skills required in the workplace. 

Working under the guidance of experienced team members, they also learn key soft skills that enhance workplace efficiency involving teamwork, communication and time management skills. Apprenticeships serve as a powerful tool for addressing skills gaps and promoting business growth as it equips individuals with the precise expertise required in their respective industries.  

By implementing apprenticeships, businesses can engage in developmental outreach, effectively bridging skills gaps and providing access to opportunities in competitive sectors. Additionally, businesses have the opportunity to cultivate a workforce that aligns with their specific operational requirements and organisational culture.

The power of apprenticeships and the benefits for businesses  

Apprentices add to workplace vibrancy and create a dynamic work environment, often bringing fresh ideas, adaptability and contribute to innovation.  

One of the benefits of our apprenticeship and early careers programmes is the consistently evolving skillset provided to the participants, which will add value for clients.  

Apprentices gain practical experience that helps them become familiar with clients and their needs from the very start of their careers at Hollis. It also allows them to build relationships and develop client knowledge, providing them with an understanding of how to deliver a quality service.  

Apprenticeships are not only valuable for businesses but also for society as a whole, driving broader economic growth, which is why the UK Government is heavily investing in them. They provide an alternative to traditional degrees and boost the economy by getting people into employment earlier, while removing the pressure of accumulating student debt. Additionally, a huge benefit they bring is opening jobs to groups of people who may have previously considered them out of their reach. 

Hear from our managers on the achievements and contributions of our gifted apprentices:  

“When Laura joined the bids team, her eagerness to learn and engage in bidding and proposals made it clear that she would be an excellent candidate for the bids apprenticeship. Since starting and passing with merit, Laura has developed significantly both personally and professionally. She’s successfully completed her apprenticeship with a new energy for bidding and has used the skills and knowledge she gained to improve internal processes, win bids and pitches, and has the confidence to work effectively with stakeholders. The work-based learning apprenticeships provided were ideal for Laura, and she thrived so much so that she was recently awarded Highly Commended in the Rising Star category at the Regional Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024.” 

• Joanna Lockwood​​​​, Bid Manager works with Laura Nasrin, Senior Bid Coordinator 

“Querida has been a breath of fresh air in the London and Southeast Cost Management team since joining as an apprentice. She’s shown a lot of curiosity and willingness to learn by constantly asking questions about the way we work, construction technology and rates for labour and materials. Querida has grown in confidence and has settled into the team extremely well; we’re so proud of her as she’s been shortlisted in the Rising Star category of the UCEM Built Environment Apprenticeship Awards. She’s a real credit to herself and the Hollis apprentice scheme.”

• Barry Stevens​​​​, Director works with Querida Matondo, Quantity Surveying Apprentice  

“It’s genuinely an honour to be Yanni’s manager and to watch him grow and develop into being an incredible and diligent surveyor. I benefitted from Hollis’ apprenticeship scheme and was mentored by some brilliant surveyors (Jo Bell, Richard Skinnard, Carl Sablon, Karl Stansbie, William Horsthuis and Adam Nicol) and now it is my time to repay that and push him to be the absolute best he can be.” 

• Dan Nixon, Senior Chartered Building Surveyor works with Yanni Rekay, Building Surveying Apprentice  

“We’ve had two apprentices join the team, which is a first for our Manchester office. Since their start, they’ve been eager to learn and have adapted quickly to the Hollis way, aided in alleviating workloads, and made significant contributions to various services, and their progress is a credit to themselves and the team. Their technical knowledge is continuously improving due to their studies and on-the-job training, and they are able and willing to adapt to new technologies such as drone training. The team has responded well to the apprentices, and our dynamic seems stronger due to the collaboration and mentorship.” 

• James Clark​​​​, Senior Associate works with Josie Paterson, Building Surveying Apprentice  

If you’re looking for your next opportunity and are interested in joining Hollis for an apprenticeship programme, please contact our early careers team and find out more about our programme.