Cara Bullock - BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying

Turner and Townsend

Why did you choose to study an apprenticeship?

I chose an apprenticeship as I felt it was a better way of completing a degree in that I get 5 years of valuable industry experience alongside studying at the same time.

Looking back over your time on the apprenticeship so far, how have you found the whole experience?

I have found the experience challenging but immensely rewarding. Starting at 18 it also helped me develop and mature as a person in a way that I don’t feel I would have done had I gone to University full-time.

How would you describe the support that you’ve received from the University of Salford?

The support from Salford has been great throughout with regular catch ups with link tutors and access to lecturers for help and support with learning.

What has been your proudest achievement on your apprenticeship to date?

My proudest achievement to date has been getting my promotion to Cost Manager a year earlier than expected, which is a testament to the hard work I have put in so far.

What do you want to do once you complete your apprenticeship?

Following the completion of my apprenticeship I want to look at completing a Masters in Construction law and explore the potential of working abroad.

What led you to a career in construction?

I applied for a number of apprenticeships in different sectors, and I was fortunate enough to have multiple job offers to choose from. I ultimately chose construction as I felt like it would interest and engage me as well as providing variety.

What advice would you give to other women who are interested in a career pursuing in construction?

Don’t be afraid to use your voice, call out any issues you may have and develop a strong network of people around you be that in or outside of the workplace.

How do you think the sector can attract more female candidates?

The construction sector is so much broader than the traditional perception of being out on site and I think as an industry it doesn’t show off the varied ways in which you can be involved with construction. I believe that greater outreach in schools, colleges and universities to show this could help attract more candidates.