Applications have now opened for our summer placement scheme for those wanting to get hands-on surveying experience and find out what it’s like to work with us. We offer paid summer placements, for up to 12 weeks, to students in their first or second year at university or about to start a postgraduate course, whatever the degree. If successful, students will join us between the end of May and mid-October this year. The paid placements, some up to 12 weeks or more, are based in different offices and sectors around the business.
We spoke to some of our current placement students and asked for their thoughts on the scheme and how they have benefitted from having this first-hand experience. Placement Student Louis Green, who joined our Infrastructure Services Department in 2022 said: “On my university course I have a module on infrastructure, so I was keen to learn more about this part of the business. The joining process was very simple, and the interview process was seamless. I am enjoying myself and learning a lot through the many meetings I have with landowners on-site. How I was trusted and treated within the first six weeks of my placement has made me want to apply for the graduate scheme”.
Apprentice Surveyor Holly Topham works in our rural property management team but started her journey as a summer placement. She said: “During my summer placement I was asked what I would like to do after my placement, my goal was to be an apprentice. I was offered the 5-year Degree Apprenticeship. I am five months into my apprenticeship and have learnt many new skills. After I complete my degree apprenticeship, I will complete my APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) and then my CAAV (The Central Association for Agricultural Valuers) exams.”
Henry Strong is studying for a geography degree at the University of Exeter. Having grown up on a pig and arable farm in Mid Sussex, he hopes to use this experience to better understand the needs of his clients. Henry said: “I did research into the company and liked the look of the culture and the people here; it was also a very friendly and efficient application process which was encouraging. During the interview process, there was a genuine interest in me which was refreshing.
I was more interested in joining the rural side of the business but was open to anything and have had no regrets about joining the infrastructure consultancy team - I've thoroughly enjoyed it so far! I enjoy the role as well as how the business looks after its employees which is important to me.
The largest scheme I've been involved in was agreeing to consents on behalf of National Grid for painting 120 towers in Surrey. I enjoyed this project as it involved liaison with landowners, contractors, and National Grid themselves, meaning there was a large amount of variety.”
Max Hall is currently studying at the University of Reading. He had never heard about Fisher German before meeting our early careers team at a career fair at the university. Max said: “Fisher German was the only organisation at the fair that genuinely wanted to speak to me, everyone else handed me a QR code or directed me to their website. The application process was personal, and it was refreshing that it was not done online. It was great to be able to speak to someone and ask any questions I had.
I have always been interested in civil engineering so as soon as I knew I could gain more experience in the utilities sector I was keen to find out more. I am confident that I will receive plenty of support during the APC training process and from the people I have met so far I am excited about my future. The firm is flexible and forward-thinking in its approach and there is genuine encouragement to do well.”
Tara Foster also joined us in our Infrastructure Services Division, she has completed the first two years of her course at Harper Adams University. Tara said: “I knew a small amount about the company but never realised how many other services they provided. The training programmes have been great, and I have gained a lot of knowledge from being able to network with other people within the firm. Originally, I was looking to join the rural property management team but am enjoying working on some of the key infrastructure projects with large clients such as Severn Trent. It’s great being given responsibilities right from the start and I enjoy liaising between the landowners and the clients.”
Henry Walker, now a surveyor in our rural property management team, re-joined Fisher German as a graduate after completing a placement year at the Newark office during his undergraduate degree at Harper Adams University which he graduated from in 2020. Henry said: “The placement year gave me great insight and having such experienced colleagues around me enabled me to learn so much. I was given responsibilities from the start which enabled me to build my confidence and skills quickly. The hands-on experience is invaluable, and you are given lots of support throughout the whole process.”
Our Early Years Talent Advisor, Marie-Ange Ehrhart said “I am looking forward to meeting all this year’s applicants. As always, we are dedicated to ensuring their development and progression within the business. Every one of them will be supported to do their best to build their career at Fisher German.”
Applications for the 2023 scheme close at 5 pm on 24 March 2023.
Click here to find out more about our early careers and click here to see our current job opportunities.
