For Olivia, the Higher National Certificate (HNC) wasn’t the initial plan, but it became the ideal route to success. After taking a year off school, she found herself working as an administrator for a construction company. It was here, being constantly “surrounded by conversations about different stages of construction,” that she got a view of the industry’s inner workings. She saw the quantity surveying role and was immediately interested in its varied and important nature.
While she admitted to being nervous about returning to college, especially joining a new, male-dominated field, the supportive environment and practical subject matter quickly boosted her confidence.
The HNC’s part-time structure proved to be the game-changer, perfectly embodying the campaign message of “Your journey, your way.”
“I really do think it was the best of both worlds,” Olivia explains. “Being able to earn while I learned made a big difference”.
As someone completely new to construction, the college classroom provided the essential theory that suddenly allowed her to follow discussions in the office and on-site, giving her the confidence to contribute her own ideas.
Hands-on Learning, Real-World Skills
Olivia’s HNC experience demonstrates how Higher Nationals equip students with the practical expertise employers demand. The synergy between college and her on-site apprenticeship at a civils company was immediate and powerful.
“The two went hand in hand,” she notes. “What I was learning in college, like different types of foundations and construction details, came to life when I went out on site“.
One of the most valuable skills she acquired was measurement and estimating, learning to read drawings and carry out ‘take-offs’ in college and then applying that knowledge in the office straight away. This practical, professional grounding allowed her to immediately assist with real project work.
A Passport to both the Workplace and University
Olivia’s story is a prime example of the HNC acting as a passport to further education. The HNC provided the perfect stepping stone, giving her the qualifications and the experience needed to apply to university.
“Without my HNC, I wouldn’t have been able to progress to university and continue building on my education,” she affirms.
She is now in the final year of university, working towards an Honours degree in Quantity Surveying. Alongside her studies, she’s taking on more responsibility at work and getting involved in larger projects.
A Century of Success Stories in the Modern Industry
Olivia is proud to be building a career in quantity surveying, showing how Higher Nationals have shaped a century of success stories and continue to adapt to today’s industry needs.
While initially daunting, she has learned to “trust my abilities” and focus on her contribution. Her achievements and progression are milestones that give her immense confidence.
“I’m proud to be building a career in quantity surveying and hopefully showing others that there’s a place for women in construction too,” she says. Her HNC gave her the confidence to progress to where she is now, proving that the qualification is a robust foundation for anyone looking to build a successful and fulfilling career.
