Let’s find your next opportunity​

{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}

{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}

saved
viewed

How I transitioned from A-levels to a Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship

AtkinsRéalis Apprenticeships: gaining real-world skills in quantity surveying

If you've been wondering "Where do people go after A-Levels?", we caught up with Akram for real-life inspiration and guidance to inform the next step in your career.

What's the best thing to do after A-Levels?

Hi, I'm Akram. After completing my A-levels in 2022, I started my journey as a degree apprentice in the Project & Programme Services team at AtkinsRéalis.

I was drawn to quantity surveying, and intrigued by the blend of practical, on-the-job training and theoretical knowledge gained through university studies. This unique learning approach appealed to me, promising a comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience in the industry.

After being exposed to work experience within the construction industry and conversations with former employees, I researched and decided a degree apprenticeship in engineering was for me.

Choosing AtkinsRéalis was great due to the strategic aspect of the work and the value it brings to clients - these have always been my priorities. I'm delighted to take part in projects where Net Zero and sustainability are at the forefront of decision-making.

Photo of Akram smiling towards the camera

I'm engineering a better future with AtkinsRéalis with my Degree Apprenticeship

AtkinsRéalis is involved in multiple global and locally significant projects. It allows me to expand my learning and gain varied experiences. It's stimulating to see outstanding projects such as Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C. 

Operating globally, AtkinsRéalis offers a huge range of opportunities. The office environment and culture are other contributing factors that I have appreciated since joining. Everyone has made me feel welcome and helped me settle in, and knowing that I receive a lot of support is essential.

Taking a Degree Apprenticeship means I enjoy support from all levels

I have had the opportunity to understand key day-to-day responsibilities. For example, I spent a lot of my first year working on government and institutional projects, where the chance to shadow more senior colleagues gave me the confidence to understand how valuations are carried out. It has also offered me first-hand experience in pulling together cost plans and feasibility studies. 

More recently, I transferred to another part of the business, where I hope to build a long-term career. 

Ultimately, as a trainee, I am excited to be in a position where I am exposed to new learning opportunities every day and have the fortuity to continually expand my knowledge.

Photo of Akram at work


I'm encouraged to learn what interests me

It's great to be in a position where I can learn the skills directly relevant to quantity surveying while also gaining direct work experience. 

Since enrolling in my Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, I have had the opportunity to meet new people within the industry, giving me a competitive advantage. 

I have had the opportunity to travel to our Glasgow office, where I met other apprentices to grow my network

The flexibility of the university course and full-time work is something that I appreciate. It's also great to relate and apply the theory to live projects. I take every day as a new opportunity to learn in an industry that is forever having an impact on the world around us.

My advice for those wanting to enrol in degree apprenticeships:

  • Select the career opportunity you want to pursue in the long run.
  • Once you know what you want to do, opening yourself up to multiple opportunities is important.
  • Carry out extensive research into the company and utilize it in an interview.
  • Practice interview questions and remember to always be open and positive yourself.

I have continuously enjoyed my time at AtkinsRéalis, and taking the degree apprenticeship route was the right choice. I would recommend this path to anyone wanting to pursue a construction or engineering career.

More apprenticeship stories

  1. Oscar - Consultant Development Programme
  2. Matilda - Project Management Degree Apprenticeship
  3. James - Electrical and Mechanical Degree Apprentice

Degree apprenticeships at AtkinsRéalis could be your next step after A-Levels

Hopefully, we answered the question "What can I do with my A levels?", make sure to head to our blog to find out more insight, and don't forget to browse our roles.

Find an apprenticeship with AtkinsRéalis today. 

Related blogs

Finding my place in the environment: a journey through people, places, and purpose

From anthropology to infrastructure, my journey hasn’t been traditional — but it’s been meaningful. Here’s how I found a role where people come first.

Card link for Finding my place in the environment: a journey through people, places, and purpose

Building Tomorrow's Roads: A Journey Through Civil Engineering Excellence

See how purpose-driven engineering transforms travel and strengthens the fabric of our communities.

Card link for Building Tomorrow's Roads: A Journey Through Civil Engineering Excellence

Why project managers are essential to Canada’s growing transportation and energy sectors

Today, demand for project management jobs in Canada is rising rapidly, driven by the scale and complexity of infrastructure and energy projects nationwide.

Card link for Why project managers are essential to Canada’s growing transportation and energy sectors
Engineering work office

Engineering jobs in Ontario that let you innovate, create, and impact

Ontario is one of Canada’s most exciting places to build a career in engineering, a province where bold infrastructure, clean energy transformation, and groundbreaking transit development are reshaping the way communities live, move, and thrive.

Card link for Engineering jobs in Ontario that let you innovate, create, and impact
Image of Ati looking at the camera

Building Tomorrow's Infrastructure: A Journey of Innovation and Impact in Transportation

Learn how Ati builds meaningful impact at AtkinsRéalis by shaping smarter, more connected transportation infrastructure.

Card link for Building Tomorrow's Infrastructure: A Journey of Innovation and Impact in Transportation
Headshot of Mary

Coming home: Why I returned to AtkinsRéalis - a story of culture, values, and growth

Discover how a strong culture and shared purpose make AtkinsRéalis a workplace where careers flourish.

Card link for Coming home: Why I returned to AtkinsRéalis - a story of culture, values, and growth

Building connections beyond roads and bridges

Explore how transportation connects communities and transforms everyday life—beyond roads and bridges.

Card link for Building connections beyond roads and bridges
a smiling winner from the 2025 HackaFuture event

Pushing boundaries: How our Hackathon champions innovation and equity

Discover how AtkinsRéalis HackaFuture set a new standard for innovation and candidate experience

Card link for Pushing boundaries: How our Hackathon champions innovation and equity
three AtkinsRéalis colleagues around a table, smiling and discussing

Civil engineering careers: 5 UK cities to watch in 2026 and beyond

Card link for Civil engineering careers: 5 UK cities to watch in 2026 and beyond
Man in a navy blazer and white shirt posing for a professional portrait.

Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager

From aeronautics to a leading role on Québec’s REM project: How Réjean Perreault found purpose as a civil engineer and project manager at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager
Headshot image of Josée

Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall

Discover Josée’s career journey from Scenic services manager to Director of Operations at the Maison symphonique de Montréal, where she ensures everything runs in perfect harmony.

Card link for Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall
Accessibility that empowers: Giridhar’s story at AtkinsRéalis

Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering

Irene Seo, P.Eng shares her woman in engineering career journey from an early role in civil engineering to a director role with global influence.

Card link for Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering

Related jobs

We are sorry there are no jobs that match your exact criteria. Try a new search term, or use the filters to continue browsing for available opportunities.

a man smiling and flyovers in background

Talent Community

Would you like to know more? Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to stay connected and engaged with us at AtkinsRéalis.