Apprentice Design Manager Review
at Bowmer + Kirkland
Degree Apprenticeship
Construction, Project Management
Cambridge
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
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
5/5
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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
My role involves engaging with consultants and subcontractors to manage the design process and ensure that the design is developed in line with the programme to ensure successful progression of the project. This involves problem solving, organisation and attention to detail.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme because of the mix between learning at university and getting real-world experience by being on site and engaging with professionals. The apprenticeship has been crucial in my development and being 'dropped in the deep end' has meant that my knowledge has developed further and quicker than I could imagine in the last two years.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt so many skills during my apprenticeship, a few being:
- Presentation skills / Speaking in front of an audience
- Collaboration skills / Confidently being able to work with others and share ideas.
- Organisation skills / Being able to manage my own time and set personal deadlines
Many of the other skills that I have learnt are very sector specific and niche, but it has also meant that I am able to get more involved with my work and work proactively.
- Presentation skills / Speaking in front of an audience
- Collaboration skills / Confidently being able to work with others and share ideas.
- Organisation skills / Being able to manage my own time and set personal deadlines
Many of the other skills that I have learnt are very sector specific and niche, but it has also meant that I am able to get more involved with my work and work proactively.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
B+K have their own 'Training Matrix' which is adapted to each specific job role and helps to progress within the company with clear direction, but does not clash with the KSB's that we need to achieve within the apprenticeship. It is great to see how both learning paths can be collaborated to ensure clear direction in my career.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer are great at organising learning opportunities, such as the OTJL days that are organised to gain exposure on sites, factory tours and other beneficial experiences such as a pre-fabricated bathroom pods factory tour in Bristol which has helped within my Architectural Technology & Materials module when looking at sustainability and value engineering. Additionally, we have a training board, which constantly find ways of making the apprenticeship as beneficial as possible, such as organising a 'Summer Project' during our allocated day release days in the summer period when we are no longer at university.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
University:
Personally I would prefer if the lectures were more engaging and specific to our job roles. I understand that the course is generic, but a lot of the construction methods that are taught may be specific to residential practices, as opposed to those (such as myself) who work in larger scale, commercial settings and would also like to see how this is applied in larger schemes.
Work:
Being able to go onto site and gain valuable and applicable knowledge by learning visually is beneficial to me as I find that this complements my learning style and keeps me engaged when looking for opportunities to develop my knowledge. I also think that being surrounded by professionals helps to get engaged and implement proper working methods as they would be expected on a live scheme.
Personally I would prefer if the lectures were more engaging and specific to our job roles. I understand that the course is generic, but a lot of the construction methods that are taught may be specific to residential practices, as opposed to those (such as myself) who work in larger scale, commercial settings and would also like to see how this is applied in larger schemes.
Work:
Being able to go onto site and gain valuable and applicable knowledge by learning visually is beneficial to me as I find that this complements my learning style and keeps me engaged when looking for opportunities to develop my knowledge. I also think that being surrounded by professionals helps to get engaged and implement proper working methods as they would be expected on a live scheme.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Being able to learn both in a classroom/lecture hall and also on site means that I can get a variety of learning and apply each equally. For example, learning at university helps me to get a better understanding of what I am working on, and learning at work helps me to stay engaged at university since it is often relevant to what I am doing at the time.
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
My company often schedule social events such as going to restaurants bi-monthly, engaging in sporting events such as the 'Chariots of Fire' run that we were a part of in Cambridge. Often through our social value team, we are required to host events such as careers talks at local schools, or helping the local community in environmental activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Bowmer + Kirkland to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I do not have any complaints, and I receive more than enough support at work. I can confidently say that those around me want to push me to develop and in general I find that everyone is so great and friendly. Within the regional office that I work for, we are all closely acquainted and get along well.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Bowmer + Kirkland?
I joined without any experience as I left Sixth Form and applied. If you are ready to engage and put in the work, they are able to provide the support to develop you, even without prior understanding of construction. I think what matters most is your attitude to work, and whether it is something that you would enjoy doing. You would fit in well if you are detail-orientated, and organised as it can get confusing with tight deadlines, and a busy site.
