Meet Lewis Drury: From Apprentice to Quantity Surveyor at Wates
Lewis Drury joined Wates as a Commercial Management Trainee and has since progressed significantly, recently graduating from University and working towards RICS chartership.
His journey exemplifies how Wates’ apprenticeship programme blends a hands-on experience with structured learning to create a well-rounded experience.
Initially unsure about his career path, Lewis discovered quantity surveying whilst researching roles in the construction industry at college. Over the course of his apprenticeship, Lewis has gained exposure to every stage of the construction process, from pre-contract planning to on-site management and project handovers. He found that this rounded approach stood out from traditional university-only routes, providing him with a deeper understanding of the industry.
Among the projects he has worked on, a highlight was an office block in Leeds city centre. As a Leeds native, Lewis found it inspiring to contribute to transforming his hometown’s skyline and enjoyed sharing the experience with friends. He also found it rewarding to see the real impact of his work with families moving into completed housing schemes and watching schools take shape in real time.
Benefits of the Wates’ apprenticeship programme
Wates’ supportive environment has been pivotal to Lewis’s growth. He credits the company’s mentorship, tailored training courses, and the balance between learning and being given responsibility for his success. Weekly time for academic work, alongside opportunities like technical and behavioural training, ensured he developed both the hard and soft skills needed for his role.
Offering advice to aspiring apprentices, Lewis understands that the application and interview process may be daunting but the worst that could happen is you don’t get the job however you’re better off being a part of the experience for next time. Lewis encourages others to embrace the opportunity, saying, “You gain so much more than a qualification. The experience and connections you build are invaluable.”
Looking ahead, Lewis is focused on achieving RICS chartership and aims to lead projects as a Quantity Surveyor.
Apprenticeships are invaluable – they offer so much more than a qualification. My journey as a Quantity Surveying Apprentice at Wates has blended hands-on experience with structured learning in a way that traditional university routes don’t provide.
I’ve learnt more about the construction process in practice, from planning to project delivery, and the chance to make a real impact, like transforming Leeds’ skyline, my hometown.
I was initially unsure about my career path, but the Wates apprenticeship has opened so many doors, allowed me to build vital skills and gain new connections”
Lewis Drury
Quantity Surveyor
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