#NAW2020: Tonisha Surveys a Career in Construction

“One of the benefits of studying for a Degree Apprenticeship in Chartered Surveying is the possibility of becoming a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.”

Tonisha O’Gorman is looking beyond boundaries and surveying her long term career plans by studying a Degree Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying at the University of Wolverhampton.

Originally from the Wirral (Merseyside), Tonisha aged 21, finished sixth form in 2016 and started her career journey on Wates’ Management Trainee Program. In the past three years she has worked for different business units within Wates Group (Wates Living Space and SES Engineering Services) being involved in re-roofing, external works, new build projects and off-site production contracts.

She said: “Last year I was promoted to an Assistant Surveyor and the construction career pathways and sectors available to me are vast, however my aspirations are to become a Commercial Manager in the future”.

“When I left school, I knew I wanted to get a degree, although I didn’t want go to University full time and fund it myself. I wanted to complete a Degree Apprenticeship, so when the opportunity for Wates Group was advertised I thought it was brilliant and I applied for it”.

“The position I accepted was in Wolverhampton and I had to learn to live away from home and quickly become independent. Which in the long term, has been beneficial to my career development.”

Tonisha has combined her on-site experience with gaining professional qualifications, having completed an HNC in Construction, at Distinction Level, at City of Wolverhampton College, whilst developing her knowledge of construction processes at the same time.