Building Surveyor Apprentice Review
at Historic Royal Palaces
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Surveying
Hampton Court
Review Submitted: October 2025
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I’m an Apprentice Building Surveyor in the Maintenance Team at Historic Royal Palaces, mainly based at Hampton Court Palace. My role involves helping to plan and manage repair, maintenance, and small project works across the site. On a day-to-day basis, I check on live jobs, speak with contractors, raise purchase orders, and keep track of progress. I also help prepare documents, take site photos, and assist my team with inspections and meetings. Every day is different, and I get to see how work actually happens on a busy historic estate.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy the apprenticeship and feel like I’ve learned a huge amount since starting. It’s a great balance of office work, site experience, and studying, and it’s given me a lot more confidence in what I do. Working somewhere like Hampton Court is inspiring, and I like that my work actually helps look after a place with so much history. The team is supportive and I feel part of it, and the variety keeps things interesting. Overall, I’m really happy with how the programme is going and proud of how far I’ve come so far.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve developed a lot of new skills both technically and professionally. I’ve learnt how to manage small projects from start to finish , from raising purchase orders and organising contractors to checking progress on site and communicating updates. My confidence has grown a lot when speaking with suppliers and colleagues, and I’ve become more comfortable taking responsibility for tasks. I’ve also improved my understanding of building materials, maintenance processes, and how heritage conservation works in practice. Overall, I feel much more capable and independent now compared to when I first started.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is well structured with a clear balance between work, study, and reviews. I always know what I’m working towards, and there’s good communication between my employer and training provider. Sometimes things get busy on site, but overall the structure helps me stay on track and develop steadily.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My team and managers are really supportive , they check in regularly, help me learn on live projects, and explain things clearly. I always feel like I can ask questions and get help when I need it. They trust me with responsibility but also make sure I’m learning properly.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My tutors and assessors are helpful and easy to reach when I need advice on assignments or portfolio work. The feedback is clear, and they keep me updated on progress. Sometimes communication can take a bit of time, but overall the support is good.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
What I learn at college links directly to what I do on site , especially topics like building regulations, materials, and project management. It helps me understand why things are done a certain way and gives me more confidence in conversations with contractors and colleagues.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are a few great opportunities to get involved , like staff events, gatherings with other apprentices and events organised with them , and even site tours at other palaces. It’s a nice way to meet people across departments and feel part of the wider organisation.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Historic Royal Palaces to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It’s a brilliant place to work and learn, especially if you’re interested in buildings, history, or heritage. You get hands-on experience in some of the most iconic sites in the country and work alongside people who are genuinely passionate about what they do. There’s a real sense of pride and purpose in helping to look after these places, and the support from the team makes it a great environment for developing your career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Historic Royal Palaces?
Show genuine enthusiasm for history, heritage, and teamwork , that really matters here. Be open to learning and asking questions, as there’s always something new to pick up on site. Try to get involved and make the most of the opportunities, whether that’s visiting other palaces, joining projects, or chatting with people across departments !
