Level 6 Chartered Surveying Apprentice Review
at Valuation Office Agency
Degree Apprenticeship
Property Management
Birmingham
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I work through property valuations using various methods on proposals that have been submitted through a Government framework to Check, Challenge and Appeal Business Rates Valuations. I read through proposals, contact agents/ interested persons, reach conclusions and convey this through notices or negotiation.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The Programme is good because it gives us both the protection and confidence to branch into new areas of work within the business, with support. I enjoy it because I get to work with a variety of interested people while investigating problems.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I've learnt various new skills in reading markets and valuations while developing how to reflect this in proposals. I've also learnt a lot of legislation and case law important as the framework that we operate within.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The Programme is very well structured, with a clear timeline from entry, which follows a set format of 2 years, then 3 separate 1 year spells in different business areas. If there are any changes then the time periods can be swapped around, while accommodating the programme being the most important.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The development team are very supportive and focussed on giving apprentices the information and space they need, while also sharing with operational managers to ensure apprentices are protected. They are always willing to provide additional guidance and training
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The training provider provides outcome officers who have monthly, or two monthly meetings that discuss progress and needs. Making recommendations to managers of what work would be optimal.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification has given me more confidence in dealing with and understanding legal aspects of the business that I operate within.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are social events, both within and out of the office, from specific days within the office that encourage food and clothes wearing, to evenings out, football league participation and group attendance of professional events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Valuation Office Agency to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The VOA is a good place to work, it offers a lot of work life balance benefits, while also having various business streams that give the opportunity to ensure job satisfaction.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Valuation Office Agency?
Gain an understanding of the breadth of areas that the VOA work in, find an entry level that reflects where you are in your career and be open to progressing in different ways
