Nicola Walklate joined Stoke-on-Trent City Council as an admin assistant but is now a qualified quantity surveyor after completing a five-year degree apprenticeship course with first class honours.

She worked in various administrative roles within the council’s housing team before securing a job as an assistant quantity surveyor within the council’s repairs and maintenance service, working her way up to quantity surveyor while studying at the University of Wolverhampton.

Rachel Forster, the repairs and maintenance Corporate Social Responsibility Co-ordinator said: “Nicola is a real asset to the business. Her hard work and dedication has earned her a first in her degree and we are so very proud of her.”

Nicola’s mentor said: “Nicola is a key member of the Commercial Team and  completed all tasks assigned to her quickly, efficiently and always with a cheerful smile. She has made herself almost indispensable since joining the team six years ago. She always completes tasks given to her fully, accurately and speedily.

“It is a pleasure working with Nicola, she always brings enthusiasm with a positive can do attitude. Nicola’s thirst for knowledge and her ambition to do well is reflected in her ability to master her tasks proficiently with confidence.

“She is willing to explore ways to work smarter and share her findings with the team and I’m confident Nicola will continue to be an asset to the repairs and maintenance service for years to come.”

Nicola said: “The apprenticeship has accelerated my learning, far beyond what I believe I could have achieved through a university degree alone. It has also supported developing my confidence. At the start of my apprenticeship I found it challenging to speak up in meetings or ask questions but over time, I have pushed myself to contribute more, seek clarification and take ownership of asks.

“Following being awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours First Class in Quantity Surveying,I want to continue developing my skills and progress in the future both personally by achieving MRICS status and professionally into a role where I can lead and support others within my remit.

“I have been employed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council for 13 years and I am committed to contributing to the local authority long-term and becoming a valued professional.

“My apprenticeship has given me the platform to grow and build a long and meaningful career in the profession whilst addressing the skills shortage within the quantity surveying industry.”

Nicola Walklate has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.