Chaya Wheeler - BSc Quantity Surveying
Chaya Wheeler joined the University of Salford's BSc Quantity Surveying apprenticeship in 2018, graduating in 2023, and now works as a Senior Quantity Surveyor. The apprenticeship helped Chaya develop both academically and professionally, with real workplace impact from day one. Her hard work was recognised when she won Apprentice of the Year at the 2020 awards held at the Etihad, and she hasn't slowed down since, progressing into a senior role with the confidence and experience to match.
We asked Chaya...
What does being an apprentice at the University of Salford mean to you?
Being an apprentice at the University of Salford has allowed me to develop both academically and professionally. It has given me the confidence to apply what I’ve learned directly in the workplace and to see its impact in real projects. It also made me feel part of a wider community of students and industry professionals working towards the same goal: advancing their careers.
How has your apprenticeship helped shape your future career plans?
Having hands-on experience alongside academic study has accelerated my development and opened opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had. I now feel more confident about progressing into more senior roles and setting long-term goals within the construction sector.
What’s one piece of advice for future apprentices?
Ask questions! There are no stupid questions, and when you ask them, those around you appreciate your taking an interest and trying to learn and improve.
What was the highlight of your apprenticeship?
Working alongside experienced colleagues gave me invaluable insight and helped me build confidence. Another highlight was the sense of achievement that came with balancing work and study and realising how much progress I had made from when I first started.
For those who have won an award: Explain how you felt when you found out, and include the award category you won and the name of the award ceremony. It was ages ago now, but I'm pretty sure I won apprentice of the year in the 2020 awards that were held at the Etihad. I was incredibly shocked, but also proud that the university was recognising the hard work I was putting in.
Is there anything else you’d like to know about your time on the apprenticeship?
I couldn't recommend it more highly to anyone considering an apprenticeship. My apprenticeship has taught me that development doesn't happen overnight, but with consistent hard work, you can grow way faster than you think.
