Harrison, pictured here with the newly appointed RICS President, fell in love with Quantity Surveying during a work experience.
Beginning his career as an Apprentice at the age of 18, Harrison was nominated Young Surveyor of the Year in 2018 and is now a Partner at Core Five specialising in the residential, commercial, and mixed-use sectors, working on a number of outstanding projects.
Find out what he has to say about his experience as an Apprentice and advice for those considering the same route into the industry…
How did you get into quantity surveying?
I grew up in a construction family, with my Dad and Grandad both being bricklayers, so building sites have been a part of my life from a young age.
Why did you chose to do an apprenticeship?
I was fortunate to be given work experience at my first employer (a massive shout out to Adair and Justin Sullivan), before starting my apprenticeship there after sixth form.
The opportunity to learn whilst earning a salary and having my university paid for made sense. We didn’t have a skills shortage like we do now, so it couldn’t be a better profession to currently join.
What’s your favourite project you’ve been involved in?
50 Electric Boulevard (Battersea Power Station). I provided advice at a very early stage, analysing various building options for different uses (office, residential, etc.) and took it through to construction. A three-storey top-down basement next to a tube line, a pioneering office design, all built over a new tube station and two floors of a new retail high street (and almost 240 new apartments) – and during Covid! It came with its challenges but was very rewarding. We have a few ‘Everest’ challenges in our team coming up which will take the title of a ‘first in London’ – a very exciting next step for me.
What are some of the perks of working at Core Five?
We’re lucky to attract top talent, with a fantastic group of young surveyors joining us (the experienced ones are OK too!). Being an RICS Assessor, I mentor and counsel our surveyors going through the RICS process. It is a privilege to be able to support our next generation on their journey to chartership.
What does a typical day to day look like for an Apprentice at Core Five?
The days are always varied, getting out and about, attending meetings, visiting sites, and catching up with Clients and other consultants with the wider team is the norm.
I’ve always enjoy spending time in the office, the buzz and discussion working alongside colleagues can’t be matched, and especially during my apprenticeship as it was ‘on the job’ training which is invaluable. We have a great laugh and always have a social catch up after work.
What advice would you give someone who’s starting an apprenticeship?
It’s easy to want to rush and progress, but just take your time, and learn and gain experience. The fact that you could become a chartered surveyor within six years is amazing. You’re then an ‘in demand’ skilled professional and it will all be worth it.
