Apprentice Estates Surveyor Review
at Lancashire County Council
Degree Apprenticeship
Government, Surveying
Preston
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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
Lancashire County Council's Estates Team is split into three teams: property management, disposals and acquisitions, and transport. During the apprenticeship, a 12-month rotation was provided in each team, helping gain an understanding and practical experience of each team, before choosing to be a static member of one of the teams.
The day-to-day tasks varied, so no two days were the same, meaning the role was never boring.
Some of the tasks included: undertaking valuations to assist with the asset valuation programmes, undertaking valuations and associated tasks to assist with the disposal of surplus land or aid negotiations for acquisitions, dealing with landlord and tenant matters during lease renewals, rent reviews, and licences, undertaking inspections and dealing with numerous tasks associated with property management, assisting with aspects of business rates, bridge and structure projects, and compulsory purchase and compensation matters.
The day-to-day tasks varied, so no two days were the same, meaning the role was never boring.
Some of the tasks included: undertaking valuations to assist with the asset valuation programmes, undertaking valuations and associated tasks to assist with the disposal of surplus land or aid negotiations for acquisitions, dealing with landlord and tenant matters during lease renewals, rent reviews, and licences, undertaking inspections and dealing with numerous tasks associated with property management, assisting with aspects of business rates, bridge and structure projects, and compulsory purchase and compensation matters.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Starting an apprenticeship during 2020 was a different experience to the following four years of the apprenticeship programme as most work was undertaken remotely, socially distanced and day release of university was delivered online, which made learning challenging at times.
After the first year mostly being online, the following four years of the apprenticeship programme were enjoyable. With the five-year degree apprenticeship there was a day release element to attend university. By having this split, it allowed the theory learnt to be put into practice during the day-to-day role whilst appreciating why the work was undertaken.
After the first year mostly being online, the following four years of the apprenticeship programme were enjoyable. With the five-year degree apprenticeship there was a day release element to attend university. By having this split, it allowed the theory learnt to be put into practice during the day-to-day role whilst appreciating why the work was undertaken.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Having a prior degree in a similar surveying subject, with some work experience alongside that, undertaking a degree apprenticeship allowed the development of existing skills further, whilst learning new skills such as valuation.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
During the course of the degree element of the apprenticeship, the structure was okay but some of the modules could have been delivered sooner to help build the foundation of understanding, as at times it felt that learning undertaking towards the end of the programme would have been more useful and valuable earlier to allow the understanding which would have allowed implementation of the skills learnt to aid in achieving better grades.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Lancashire County Council's Estates Team has supportive, very knowledgeable staff who welcome continuous learning and provide support throughout the apprenticeship programme and beyond.
Following a suggestion made by an apprentice during the first year the Estates Team had utilised the apprenticeship scheme, regular weekly apprenticeship & graduate APC meetings are held, which helps to broaden knowledge learnt, develop the softer skills such as communication and presentation skills, and has enabled the creation of a library of APC support to aid with the end-point assessment element of the surveying apprenticeship; the RICS APC, and creates a safe space forum where questions can be asked without embarrassment or judgement.
Following a suggestion made by an apprentice during the first year the Estates Team had utilised the apprenticeship scheme, regular weekly apprenticeship & graduate APC meetings are held, which helps to broaden knowledge learnt, develop the softer skills such as communication and presentation skills, and has enabled the creation of a library of APC support to aid with the end-point assessment element of the surveying apprenticeship; the RICS APC, and creates a safe space forum where questions can be asked without embarrassment or judgement.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Support was provided through quarterly apprenticeship meeting with the apprentice, a training provider learning and development coach and the employer. These quarterly meetings were held to discuss apprentices progress on the programme and identify any learning gaps.
In year 4 of the apprenticeship, the training provider's apprenticeship team began introducing greater support for apprentices who were nearing their end-point assessment, which is the RICS APC for surveying apprenticeships. Whilst this support has been useful, it is felt that the support came too late for apprentices who began their journey in 2020, as by the time this support was implemented, progress on the APC had been made, and the support being offered would have been more useful and helpful at the beginning of that journey.
In year 4 of the apprenticeship, the training provider's apprenticeship team began introducing greater support for apprentices who were nearing their end-point assessment, which is the RICS APC for surveying apprenticeships. Whilst this support has been useful, it is felt that the support came too late for apprentices who began their journey in 2020, as by the time this support was implemented, progress on the APC had been made, and the support being offered would have been more useful and helpful at the beginning of that journey.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Having completed the degree element of the apprenticeship with the training provider, a permanent role as a graduate surveyor has been secured at Lancashire County Council, offering greater autonomy in tasks and projects, providing a stronger sense of place.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
The Estates Team at Lancashire County Council set up social activities to aid team bonding, including team walks, bouldering, tours, and regular opportunities to attend professional networking events such as ACES.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Lancashire County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Lancashire County Council is a supportive workplace with a great culture, offers hybrid working flexibility, and is a place that allows an individual to be themselves, with ample opportunities to share ideas and suggestions delivered through a change influencer network to offer the employer suggestions to continually improve.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Lancashire County Council?
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