We’re dedicated to opening doors for enthusiastic individuals to start working in the construction industry. We have done this in the past by partnering with Cardinal Newman College to co-ordinate work experience placements.

Successful work placements have led to Trainee roles in Quantity Surveying and Contracts Management, with the Company sponsoring Degree Apprenticeships and BSc Degree studies. By showing flair and passion for their chosen profession and being fully embedded in the business, trainees can take ownership of their learning and development.

Sophie is a former Cardinal Newman student, now employed as a Trainee Contracts Manager at Morris & Spottiswood. She is studying a BSc Construction Project Management at UCLAN, fully sponsored by the company. Hear what Sophie has to say about her experience:

Q. How did you get the job?

A. I applied to the M&S Contracts Management Degree Apprenticeship Scheme through college, advertised by our business department. The process was simple; I had to fill out a question form explaining how I would be suitable for the job and share my experiences. We were then asked to record a 30-second video interview before being shortlisted to attend an assessment day. It was more relaxed than I thought it would be with lots of activities. The day ended with a one-to-one interview and the team were extremely welcoming, relaxed and friendly which made the process a lot easier and enjoyable.

Q. Why did you want to be a Contracts Manager?

A. I wanted to become a Contracts Manager because it’s a challenge.
This is an industry I am not fully familiar with which allows me to learn whilst I gain first-hand experience. I enjoy being involved in live projects and travelling around the country. No two days are the same.

Q. What have you enjoyed whilst being at Morris & Spottiswood?

A. In the short time I have been with Morris & Spottiswood I have visited sites in Birmingham and Wigan. I have also visited the Edinburgh office to take part in a workshop introducing new schemes and programmes. The workshop focused on the organisation’s direction for the future which further expanded my knowledge of business activity. I enjoy getting to know everyone in the office. The friendly and welcoming environment most certainly settled me in faster than anticipated, with staff activities and outings being a great bonus. I have also enjoyed exploring new computer programmes and expanding my IT skills.

George is a former Cardinal Newman student, now employed as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor at Morris & Spottiswood. He is studying a Degree Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying at Salford University, fully sponsored by the company. Hear what George has to say about his experience:

Q. Why did you choose to be a Quantity Surveyor?

A. How much does it cost? Possibly the most common question asked around the world. I would like to be the one to give you the answer. Growing up with a dad who owns a well-established construction company, I am used to hearing about a huge range in scale of projects. Something that is very important to me is studying an area that I enjoy as I believe this is the key to success. Figures is an area that I thoroughly enjoy, so I combined figures and the construction industry and this led to quantity surveying.

Q. How did you get the job?

A. The first stage of the process included submitting my CV and a short video interview. I was shortlisted and asked to attend an assessment day at Cardinal Newman, along with 20 other potential candidates. We had to carry out group activities which involved us to work as a team. I knew that the role of a QS requires you to have good communication skills but also requires you to listen to others so I tried to put them both into practice. We then had a one-to-one interview. I was then invited to attend a week of work experience in the Warrington office. Everybody made me feel very welcome and I was confident that being a QS was something I wanted to do. After my week of work experience, I received a phone call to say I had been successful to join the business as a Trainee QS. I was very pleased to say the least.

Q. What have you enjoyed whilst being at Morris & Spottiswood?

A. I have been at Morris & Spottiswood for 2 months, and even in this
short time I have learnt and enjoyed many new things. I visit sites regularly and witness jobs from start to finish. I have been
learning how jobs are priced and about the different required
stages before work can start. Throughout my time, I have travelled around the UK including a trip to Edinburgh and to Blackpool for a current job I’m working on where I have networked with various sub-contractors to get their quotes for the job.