Cushman & Wakefield: Real Estate Apprenticeships for Aspiring Professionals

Based in London, Nevaeh Williams is thriving as a surveyor apprentice at Cushman & Wakefield. After completing her Advanced Level courses in politics, philosophy, and sociology, she found herself reconsidering her academic path and wanted to pursue a career that would fuel her passions and challenge her skill set. This led her to explore the world of real estate.

In her search for career opportunities, Nevaeh discovered the Cushman & Wakefield apprenticeship program and decided to defer her university plans. Two years into the program, she has found her stride, blending academic learning with hands-on experience.

Reflecting on her journey, Nevaeh says, " There’s [a lot] of us, like myself… who are not actually sure what they want to do. So, I think that this apprenticeship is such a good opportunity.“

Nevaeh highlights two key benefits of her apprenticeship:

Practical Experience

She is working in a professional setting while studying coursework that directly relates to her job. “I’ve matured and adapted to the workplace faster than I ever expected.“

The ‘Earn and Learn’ Model

One of the biggest advantages is being paid while you learn and having your degree fully funded. “A huge benefit, financially, is… getting paid and having my degree paid for. [There’s] job security as well, knowing that at the end you have… five years of experience under your belt.”

Nevaeh’s five-year apprenticeship will culminate in becoming a chartered surveyor, earning her undergraduate degree in real estate, and passing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). The APC involves presenting a case study to demonstrate her skills and experience. It is “a case study, basically showing a summary of experience and…an example of how we've used it”, Nevaeh explains.

Her advice to those considering an apprenticeship with Cushman & Wakefield:

“It can be a scary thing starting off at such a big organization, especially Cushman & Wakefield. So, don't be afraid to… ask questions or feel like you're out of place. “[Cushman & Wakefield] wants you to be here because the company wants to be able to train people. You'll be as much an asset to the company as the company is helping you develop your career.”

Nevaeh’s experience showcases the value of the Cushman & Wakefield apprenticeship program: it’s not just about gaining a degree – it’s about becoming an integral part of a leading global firm while building a career from day one.