Just 18 months after stepping into the world of quantity surveying Jack Bradshaw finished in the top three out of 100 nominations for a national built environment apprenticeship award.

Since joining Cooper & Hall the Trainee QS has shown sustained academic excellence while doing his masters’ degree.

Jack’s performance earned him a runner-up award for the Post Graduate Apprentice of the Year held by the University College of Estate Management.

“I came into the industry with zero experience but the move has been brilliant and well worth the risk” said Jack.

 “I was a little nervous, going back into education 12 years after taking my initial degree in business management and sports science.

“But distance learning, with on-the-job training, works for me. It is really rewarding. I’ve shown consistency in my course work and I’m on track for a distinction.”

Jack had spells in retail, banking and working for utilities companies starting out digging trenches, laying electric cables and water mains before changing career.

He said: “From top to bottom, Cooper and Hall have been fantastic at supporting me throughout my journey so far. I’ve been provided with a great foundation with continuing opportunities to progress my skills and knowledge, I couldn’t ask to work with a better group of people.”

After finishing his two-year masters’ degree Jack aims to be fully qualified with RICS chartered status 12 months later.