If you’re at school or college and starting to think about your future, you’ve probably heard a lot about going to university. But what if that’s not the right path for you? 

Good news: there’s another route.

It’s called an apprenticeship - and it could better suit you as a way to start your career, earn money, and gain real experience, all at the same time.

What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn on the job and study at the same time. You’ll spend most of your week working alongside professionals, and usually one day a week learning towards a qualification.

You get:

• Paid a wage
• Real work experience
• A recognised qualification

It’s hands-on, practical, and perfect for people who prefer learning by doing.

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a great choice if you want to:

• Earn money from day one
• Avoid student debt - no tuition fees
• Get a head start in your career
• Build real experience in a professional setting
• Gain qualifications (including degrees in some cases)

You’ll also meet people in the industry, build your confidence, and learn skills that employers are looking for. 

Apprenticeships in Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate is all about buildings used for work or investment - things like offices, shops, warehouses, and apartment blocks. Companies buy, sell, rent, or manage these properties, and they need smart, reliable people to help.

What Could You Be Doing?

As a commercial real estate apprentice, you might:

• Help businesses find the ideal location for their shop or office
• Work out how much a building or piece of land is worth
• Support in managing large buildings or even whole developments
• Learn about eco-friendly and sustainable building design
• Assist in property deals, negotiations, and project planning

You’ll be learning about how cities grow and how property shapes the world around us - all while earning money and gaining real experience.

Spotlight: The Level 6 Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship

This is one of the most popular property apprenticeships - and it leads to becoming a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor.

Here’s how it works:

• Start after your A levels (or equivalent)
• Work 4 days a week, study 1 day a week
• Learn on the job and in the classroom
• Get supported by your team every step of the way
• Finish in around 5.5 years - with no debt and over 5 years of experience

At the end, you’ll be fully qualified and ready for a long-term career.

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Why It’s A Great Choice

• Roles are available across the UK
• No two days are the same. It’s a mix of office work, site visits, and teamwork
• The industry is always changing
• You don’t need to be a property expert to start
• Big real estate firms offer proper training and long-term career paths

Is an Apprenticeship Right for You?

An apprenticeship might be a great fit if you:

• Prefer learning by doing, not just sitting in a classroom
• Are ready to dive into work and grow your skills
• Want to earn while you learn
• Are motivated, curious, and ready to grow
• Like the idea of building real experience that leads to a career
• Want a different route than traditional university

Final Thoughts

Apprenticeships aren’t a second choice – they’re a smart, respected way to start a serious career. You’ll learn on the job, meet people in the industry, and build a proper career – all without student debt or years of lectures. Your confidence will grow gradually with time and exposure to the industry.

So if you’re ready to step into the world of work and want to build a career with real impact — an apprenticeship in property could be the place to start.