Technical Director Review
at CBRE Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Property Management
Birmingham
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
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 am a Technical Director within CBRE Managed Services, working in the GWS EMEA business and based in Birmingham. My role is to provide technical leadership and governance across client portfolios, ensuring building services, assets and maintenance strategies are safe, compliant and aligned with both CBRE and client standards.
Alongside my core role, I am actively involved in the AIBV apprenticeship, which focuses on building capability in data, digital and AI‑enabled ways of working. This programme is helping to develop practical, business‑focused skills that can be applied directly to how CBRE manages assets, pricing, risk and service delivery.
For CBRE, the benefit is twofold. Firstly, it strengthens our internal capability by embedding emerging digital and AI skills within the organisation, rather than relying solely on external solutions. Secondly, it supports better decision‑making by enabling smarter use of data, improved insight from large and often inconsistent asset registers, and the identification of risk, inefficiency and opportunity across client portfolios.
By linking the apprenticeship to real operational challenges, the programme helps CBRE improve quality, consistency and value for clients, while also building a more future‑ready technical and engineering community within the business.
Alongside my core role, I am actively involved in the AIBV apprenticeship, which focuses on building capability in data, digital and AI‑enabled ways of working. This programme is helping to develop practical, business‑focused skills that can be applied directly to how CBRE manages assets, pricing, risk and service delivery.
For CBRE, the benefit is twofold. Firstly, it strengthens our internal capability by embedding emerging digital and AI skills within the organisation, rather than relying solely on external solutions. Secondly, it supports better decision‑making by enabling smarter use of data, improved insight from large and often inconsistent asset registers, and the identification of risk, inefficiency and opportunity across client portfolios.
By linking the apprenticeship to real operational challenges, the programme helps CBRE improve quality, consistency and value for clients, while also building a more future‑ready technical and engineering community within the business.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The AIBV apprenticeship gives me a practical way to build skills around data, AI and better decision‑making, alongside my technical leadership role. It helps me move beyond experience‑led judgement and back decisions up with clearer evidence and insight.
The programme has been particularly useful when dealing with messy or inconsistent information, such as asset data or unclear technical requirements. It’s improved how I break problems down, challenge assumptions and explain risk and options more clearly at senior level.
It’s also helped me think more strategically, stepping back from day‑to‑day delivery to focus on wider, longer‑term improvements. Overall, it’s strengthening how I lead change, communicate ideas and introduce new ways of working in a practical, operational environment.
The programme has been particularly useful when dealing with messy or inconsistent information, such as asset data or unclear technical requirements. It’s improved how I break problems down, challenge assumptions and explain risk and options more clearly at senior level.
It’s also helped me think more strategically, stepping back from day‑to‑day delivery to focus on wider, longer‑term improvements. Overall, it’s strengthening how I lead change, communicate ideas and introduce new ways of working in a practical, operational environment.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The AIBV programme has added a strong data‑ and insight‑led layer to the technical and engineering experience I already have. Where my existing skill set is rooted in engineering judgement, compliance, risk management and operational leadership, the programme has helped me strengthen the “why” behind decisions, not just the “what”.
One of the biggest gains has been structured problem‑solving. I was already comfortable dealing with complex technical issues, but AIBV has improved how I break down messy, ambiguous problems – particularly where data is incomplete or inconsistent. That works well alongside my technical background, because it allows me to challenge issues systematically rather than relying solely on experience or precedent.
The programme has also built my confidence in using data and AI concepts in a practical way. I’m not becoming a data scientist, but I am far better equipped to ask the right questions, spot poor‑quality information, and understand where automation or analysis can genuinely add value. This complements my role as a technical authority, especially when reviewing asset registers, maintenance strategies or compliance risks at scale.
Another key skill is clearer decision framing and communication. AIBV has sharpened how I present options, trade‑offs and risk to senior stakeholders. That sits naturally with my existing leadership responsibilities, making it easier to influence decisions and support change without over‑engineering solutions.
Overall, the programme hasn’t replaced my current skill set – it’s enhanced it. It adds structure, evidence and future‑focused thinking to a foundation built on technical expertise, operational understanding and experience. That combination puts me in a stronger position to lead technical strategy, challenge the status quo and support CBRE as the business continues to evolve.
One of the biggest gains has been structured problem‑solving. I was already comfortable dealing with complex technical issues, but AIBV has improved how I break down messy, ambiguous problems – particularly where data is incomplete or inconsistent. That works well alongside my technical background, because it allows me to challenge issues systematically rather than relying solely on experience or precedent.
The programme has also built my confidence in using data and AI concepts in a practical way. I’m not becoming a data scientist, but I am far better equipped to ask the right questions, spot poor‑quality information, and understand where automation or analysis can genuinely add value. This complements my role as a technical authority, especially when reviewing asset registers, maintenance strategies or compliance risks at scale.
Another key skill is clearer decision framing and communication. AIBV has sharpened how I present options, trade‑offs and risk to senior stakeholders. That sits naturally with my existing leadership responsibilities, making it easier to influence decisions and support change without over‑engineering solutions.
Overall, the programme hasn’t replaced my current skill set – it’s enhanced it. It adds structure, evidence and future‑focused thinking to a foundation built on technical expertise, operational understanding and experience. That combination puts me in a stronger position to lead technical strategy, challenge the status quo and support CBRE as the business continues to evolve.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The AIBV programme is now well structured and working effectively. At the start it felt quite disjointed and didn’t flow particularly well, with the different elements not always joining up in a practical way. However, following engagement and input from the CBRE Careers team and the AI team, the structure has improved significantly. The content now aligns better with real business challenges, the learning is clearer and more joined‑up, and the programme is starting to deliver tangible, usable outcomes rather than theory for its own sake.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
CBRE has provided good support throughout the apprenticeship, particularly through input from
the AI cohort sessions and the supporting workshops. Early on, the programme felt a bit disjointed, but the engagement from the CBRE Careers team and the AI team helped bring structure and clarity. The cohort sessions and workshops have been especially valuable, giving space to sense‑check ideas, share experiences and apply learning to real CBRE challenges. That combination of practical support and regular interaction has helped the programme settle into a much stronger rhythm and start delivering meaningful results.
the AI cohort sessions and the supporting workshops. Early on, the programme felt a bit disjointed, but the engagement from the CBRE Careers team and the AI team helped bring structure and clarity. The cohort sessions and workshops have been especially valuable, giving space to sense‑check ideas, share experiences and apply learning to real CBRE challenges. That combination of practical support and regular interaction has helped the programme settle into a much stronger rhythm and start delivering meaningful results.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Through Multiverse, I receive structured and ongoing support throughout the apprenticeship. This includes access to a dedicated coach, regular check‑ins, and clear guidance on learning requirements such as off‑the‑job learning and project development. The coaching support is readily available and focused on keeping the programme practical, manageable and aligned with real work activities.
Multiverse also provides a strong learning platform and community, with live and on‑demand workshops, cohort sessions and shared resources that reinforce the core programme content. The AI cohort sessions, specialist workshops and the AI Toolkit allow me to deepen specific skills, test ideas and apply learning directly to CBRE‑relevant challenges rather than treating the apprenticeship as a purely academic exercise.
In addition, there is consistent pastoral and practical support, including clear onboarding, structured programme milestones, access to an online support hub, and 24/7 AI‑enabled assistance to help with content, learning queries and administration. This level of support makes it easier to balance the apprenticeship alongside a senior operational role while maintaining momentum and focus.
Multiverse also provides a strong learning platform and community, with live and on‑demand workshops, cohort sessions and shared resources that reinforce the core programme content. The AI cohort sessions, specialist workshops and the AI Toolkit allow me to deepen specific skills, test ideas and apply learning directly to CBRE‑relevant challenges rather than treating the apprenticeship as a purely academic exercise.
In addition, there is consistent pastoral and practical support, including clear onboarding, structured programme milestones, access to an online support hub, and 24/7 AI‑enabled assistance to help with content, learning queries and administration. This level of support makes it easier to balance the apprenticeship alongside a senior operational role while maintaining momentum and focus.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The AIBV qualification directly improves how I operate as a Technical Director by strengthening the way I assess problems, make decisions and drive change. It gives me a clearer framework for identifying where data and AI can genuinely add value, rather than treating technology as a bolt‑on or theoretical concept. This is particularly useful in an environment like CBRE, where AI is already being used to improve efficiency, insight and risk management across operations.
In practical terms, the qualification helps me challenge information more effectively. I’m better equipped to spot poor‑quality data, ask the right questions of reports and dashboards, and understand where automation or analytics can support areas such as asset performance, maintenance strategy and compliance oversight. That strengthens my ability to give confident, evidence‑based direction rather than relying solely on experience or historical precedent.
It also improves how I translate technical and operational issues into clear, structured options for senior stakeholders. The programme has sharpened how I frame problems, weigh risk and benefit, and explain decisions in a way that supports faster, better‑informed outcomes. Overall, the qualification enhances my existing technical skill set by adding structure, consistency and future‑focused thinking, making me more effective in leading technical strategy and supporting CBRE’s continued evolution.
In practical terms, the qualification helps me challenge information more effectively. I’m better equipped to spot poor‑quality data, ask the right questions of reports and dashboards, and understand where automation or analytics can support areas such as asset performance, maintenance strategy and compliance oversight. That strengthens my ability to give confident, evidence‑based direction rather than relying solely on experience or historical precedent.
It also improves how I translate technical and operational issues into clear, structured options for senior stakeholders. The programme has sharpened how I frame problems, weigh risk and benefit, and explain decisions in a way that supports faster, better‑informed outcomes. Overall, the qualification enhances my existing technical skill set by adding structure, consistency and future‑focused thinking, making me more effective in leading technical strategy and supporting CBRE’s continued evolution.
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
CBRE offers a wide range of extra‑curricular activities that allow colleagues to get involved beyond their day‑to‑day roles. This includes social and sports clubs, such as football, rugby and running groups, which are open to all levels and provide a good way to meet people across different parts of the business. There are also opportunities to get involved in professional networking events, internal communities and knowledge‑sharing forums that support collaboration and development.
In addition, CBRE actively encourages participation in community and volunteering initiatives, giving colleagues the chance to contribute time and skills to local and wider social impact programmes. Overall, these activities help create a more connected, inclusive workplace and give people the opportunity to build relationships, develop broader skills and engage with the business outside of their core role.
In addition, CBRE actively encourages participation in community and volunteering initiatives, giving colleagues the chance to contribute time and skills to local and wider social impact programmes. Overall, these activities help create a more connected, inclusive workplace and give people the opportunity to build relationships, develop broader skills and engage with the business outside of their core role.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend CBRE Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend CBRE because it’s a business that has genuinely supported my development over the past 18 years, giving me the opportunity to grow, progress and take on new challenges as my career has evolved. CBRE invests in its people through learning, apprenticeships and real career pathways, while also offering a supportive and inclusive culture with opportunities to get involved beyond the day job. Combined with the scale of the organisation and the variety of work, it’s a place where you can build a long‑term, rewarding career rather than just do a job.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CBRE Group?
My main advice would be to be open‑minded and proactive. CBRE is a big organisation with a lot of opportunity, but you get the most out of it by putting yourself forward, asking questions and getting involved beyond your immediate role. Take advantage of the learning, development and internal opportunities on offer early on, as they really do shape your career over time.
I’d also say build relationships across teams and service lines. CBRE works best when people collaborate, and your network will often open doors to new experiences and roles. Finally, come in with the right attitude – be willing to learn, take responsibility and embrace change. If you do that, CBRE gives you the space and support to build a long‑term career, not just a job.
I’d also say build relationships across teams and service lines. CBRE works best when people collaborate, and your network will often open doors to new experiences and roles. Finally, come in with the right attitude – be willing to learn, take responsibility and embrace change. If you do that, CBRE gives you the space and support to build a long‑term career, not just a job.
