Quantity Surveying practice Solomons Europe has ramped up its commitment to developing skills for the future by taking on a further two apprentices in its Cumbria team.

Determined duo Rachel McSharry and George Duxbury have joined Solomons as Assistant Quantity Surveyors while they undertake a Level 6, MSc Quantity Surveying Apprenticeship. If successfully negotiated they will embark on a further nine-months of training before taking a shot at the MRICS End Point Assessment and review, and the prospect of chartership in just three years.

Rachel and George’s arrival takes the number of apprentices at Solomons to six – with half now based in its continually growing Cumbria team. They – along with the SME’s first cohort of apprentices employed in September 2021 – are tackling a tough and fast-paced apprenticeship which is being delivered in partnership with the University College of Estate Management.

In addition to their course commitments, they will receive in-house training and gain invaluable experience working on projects spanning power, energy, renewables, highways, infrastructure, process, and utilities.

Victoria Clements, People and Performance Manager, said: “Solomons is passionately committed to developing and nurturing new talent, particularly people like Rachel and George, who come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them fresh perspectives and experiences. Without question the next few years are going to be extremely demanding and challenging, but we’re looking forward to seeing them flourish as part of our Cumbria team.”

Armed with degree in Law with French and post graduate PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages from the University of Chester, Rachel was set on a career in teaching. However, a lack of opportunities led the former Netherhall School student, who lives in Workington, to seek another path.

She said: “I was floating in the abyss, thinking to myself ‘I have these degrees but don’t know what to do with them’. I was generally looking for any jobs in the local area when I came across this opportunity at Solomons and thought ‘this is for me!’

Rachel, who will be based at Solomons’ striking Papcastle Depot offices near Cockermouth, added: “For me this role is about being part of the bigger picture. There’s a lot going on, particularly around Sellafield, and things are moving quickly in the construction industry. I can’t wait to get stuck in and help make a difference.”

George, who lives in Milnthorpe, had his sights set on joining the army having served in the Army Reserve’s University Officer Training Corps while studying for a degree in Physical Geography at Swansea University. After changing his mind and spending time out working as an outdoor instructor at Go Ape, Grizedale, the former Dallam School and Queen Elizabeth School student turned his attention to forging a career in Quantity Surveying.

George, who will be based in Solomons’ offices at Crooklands, near Kendal, said: “I was really attracted by the opportunity to secure chartership in as short a time as possible and, become an integral part of the Solomons team. I’m excited about the sustainable and renewable energy projects we’re supporting, and I hope to one day be there to support the next generation of apprentices joining the company.

The pioneering apprenticeships are the latest in a long line of initiatives developed by Solomons to develop and nurture talent. The company continues to successfully deliver career and graduate conversion schemes, provides mentorship and bespoke training, and recently celebrated the first successes of its APC Accountability Club, which supports team members on their journey towards chartership.