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

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

Mrudula standing in front of the office building

From university to industry: my Placement journey at AtkinsRéalis

What It's really like to complete a placement at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for From university to industry: my Placement journey at AtkinsRéalis
Kielder water

From the largest lake in Northern Europe to the future of the UK's water: inside our AMP8 work with Yorkshire Water

AtkinsRéalis is helping shape the future of the UK's water infrastructure through Yorkshire Water's AMP8 programme, delivering projects that strengthen water security, improve resilience, and support sustainable growth. From exploring the transfer of water from Kielder Water across regions to developing innovative new water resources, our teams are tackling complex challenges that will have a lasting impact for generations to come.

Card link for From the largest lake in Northern Europe to the future of the UK's water: inside our AMP8 work with Yorkshire Water
Headshot of Aston smiling at the camera

How I build confidence into complex projects

Meet Aston, Regional Director in AtkinsRéalis’ Estimating & Cost Advisory team, as he shares how he helps clients build confidence in complex infrastructure projects while supporting the growth of future talent.

Card link for How I build confidence into complex projects
Eleanor smiling at the camera

Risk management careers: building confidence, skills and client relationships

From graduate hire to risk manager, discover how Eleanor has grown her career at AtkinsRéalis while helping clients navigate uncertainty and deliver major projects.

Card link for Risk management careers: building confidence, skills and client relationships

Shely on climate-resilient design, village upskilling, and remote project delivery

From family favour to climate-smart homes, read how Shely brought sustainable design to life across continents.

Card link for Shely on climate-resilient design, village upskilling, and remote project delivery
top-50-employers-for-gender-equality

AtkinsRéalis named in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2026

Fourth year running, independently assessed. See what’s actually changed in how we hire, develop and support our people.

Card link for AtkinsRéalis named in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2026
Picture of Sam in Egypt

Sam on turning climate science into practical decisions

Meet Sam, a Principal Climate Adaptation Consultant helping clients navigate climate risk with confidence.

Card link for Sam on turning climate science into practical decisions
Picture of Manila smiling

Shaping sustainable impact at scale with Mania

Meet Mania, a sustainability leader turning bold ambitions into infrastructure that delivers lasting value for people, communities, and the environment.

Card link for Shaping sustainable impact at scale with Mania
I'm Mei

It's a great time to build your career in Water

As Water Sector Lead at AtkinsRéalis, Mei leads projects focused on water resilience, environmental improvement and major water infrastructure programmes. Her work supports sustainable water management and long-term climate resilience.

Card link for It's a great time to build your career in Water
Award image

AtkinsRéalis named among the 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans

Proven commitment to those who’ve served, see how AtkinsRéalis supports Armed Forces talent beyond words.

Card link for AtkinsRéalis named among the 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans

It's about more than what we build

Meet Ellie and read how she turns infrastructure projects into real opportunities for people and communities.

Card link for It's about more than what we build
Photo of Gemma with the company logo.

She engineers, she leads, she wins

#EngineeringBetter: insights from our 2024 WICE double award winner

Card link for She engineers, she leads, she wins

Related jobs

Assistant Project Manager
Security, aerospace & defence Consultancy, Strategy & Advisory Full time
Assistant Project Manager

Bristol, Bristol, England, United Kingdom

Assistant Building Surveyor
Cities & development Operations, Maintenance & Building Services Full time
Assistant Building Surveyor

Southampton, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom

Senior/Principal Civil Engineer
Cities & development Engineering Full time
Senior/Principal Civil Engineer

Various locations

Document Controller
Transportation Risk Management & Project Controls Full time
Document Controller

Various locations

Regional Win Work Director
Business Management & Executives Full time
Regional Win Work Director

United Kingdom

Project Manager
Security, aerospace & defence Consultancy, Strategy & Advisory Full time
Project Manager

London, London, England, United Kingdom

Quantity Surveyor
Transportation Risk Management & Project Controls Full time
Quantity Surveyor

Various locations

Assistant Cost Consultant
Cities & development Risk Management & Project Controls Full time
Assistant Cost Consultant

Manchester, Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Data Engineer
Security, aerospace & defence Digital Full time
Data Engineer

Various locations

Principal Peat / Soil Scientist
Environment & geoscience Sciences Full time
Principal Peat / Soil Scientist

Various locations

Principal Electrical Engineer
Water Engineering Full time
Principal Electrical Engineer

Various locations

Principal Process Safety Engineer – Power and Energy Solutions
Clean power Engineering Full time
Principal Process Safety Engineer – Power and Energy Solutions

Various locations

Group discussion in a talent community meeting

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.