Apprentice Spotlight – Katie McQuade

For National Apprenticeship Week, Katie McQuade tells us about her experience as an Apprentice at Waterman Aspen and what she has enjoyed so far. Katie dedicates a lot of her time to STEM activities in the North East region, and was recently Highly Commended in the Apprentice of the Year category at the ACE Consultancy & Engineering Awards.

What support have you received from Waterman Aspen throughout your apprenticeship?

“Throughout my apprenticeship, Waterman Aspen has supported me through preparing my personal development plan, with discussions to arrange further qualifications in project management. They encourage me to work in secondments that have helped with my final year of university, and then my IEng to follow. They have also supported me in being involved in extra curriculum activities such as STEM which helps to promote myself, the business, and also STEM careers in the North East area.“

What are the benefits of completing an apprenticeship while working at the same time?

“It’s great because you gain hands-on skills and experience across different areas. It helps you build a strong understanding of the construction industry and allows you to work with people from all different backgrounds, each bringing valuable skill sets. This exposure helps to boost your career and opens up a world of opportunities for your future. It also offers better insight into what you’re studying at university, and helps you decide how you want to shape your career moving forward. You’ll get a sense of which line of work you’d like to pursue, and you’ll realise that you have the power to choose your own career path.“

What are your career aspirations once your apprenticeship is completed?

“I will be sitting my IEng with the ICE when I have completed my apprenticeship this year, and hopefully progress to a Senior Project Manager within the Structures sector. I also aspire to gain my Project Management qualifications to become a Chartered Project Manager.“