TRAINING & SUPPORT

WHAT DO OUR STAFF HAVE TO SAY?

At GSC Grays, we put the training of our placement and graduate surveyors at the very forefront of their time with us. SAM DALE SENIOR FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT Easingwold Office “I joined GSC Grays in the summer of 2017 having worked on my family’s mixed farm and for another rural consultancy firm between then and graduating from university in 2013. Joining the Farm Business Department has enabled me to continue my career progression as a rural professional and I have benefitted from the wealth of professional resources that GSC Grays staff have available to them. A clear path of career progression is now allowing me to have a greater involvement in the continued development and management of the department, which I am enjoying. As a department we liaise heavily with the wider business and other departments, which is encouraged throughout, to draw on other areas of expertise that GSC Grays possess. Cross department working is beneficial for both mine and my colleague’s development as well as for our clients. This also gives me the opportunity to get to know my colleagues in other parts of the business both departmentally and geographically that I may not ordinarily see. It is inspiring to work with so many motivated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable people.” Fran Barrigan, David Cooper and Lucinda Riddell are all APC Assessors Supportive and experienced staff Structured programme of support Multi- disciplined teams ensure variety The correct experience is part of our commitment to our staff

Encouragement to qualify with both RICS and CAAV

“Having graduated from Harper Adams

University in 2017, I made the decision to take a year out; working, travelling and playing rugby in New Zealand &

Australia.

I first made contact with GSC Grays at the Harper Adams Graduate fair in 2016 and following conversations with the recruitment team, I submitted a graduate application. My application lead to GSC Grays offering me a week’s work experience during Easter of my final year.

The opportunity allowed both GSC Grays and myself a greater insight into my potential as an employee and the firm respectively. The week allowed me to experience the professional nature of the Company, the type of work involved and importantly gave me the opportunity to portray myself outside of the interview environment. Subsequently, I was offered graduate employment upon my return to the UK. I was hugely grateful knowing I would be returning to professional employment, without having to worry about securing a job whilst overseas.

GSC Grays have a strong work ethic towards encouraging and supporting graduates to develop their careers. To the extent I have been given the opportunity after showing increasing interest to experience more Agricultural Consultancy work alongside traditional Estate Management.”

WILL SMITH FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT Chester-le-Street Office

“I graduated from Harper Adams in 2012. I then took the opportunity to move to New Zealand shortly after, to share farm a large dairy herd with my husband. I lived there for three years before returning home, at which point I was very much focussed on joining a local firm and progressing my career in the industry.

RACHEL MORRIS SURVEYOR Colburn Office

I joined GSC Grays in 2015, where I began working in the agency department. This role provided a great stepping stone to achieve my overall goal. However, in order to successfully get through the APC process, the firm were keen for me to join the General Professional team, which provided me with a broader range of work and allowed me to focus on the area I particularly enjoyed; valuation.

Having the opportunity to work full time in varied roles within the business stood me in good stead for sitting my APC. I successfully passed my APC on my first attempt in May 2018, having personally invested a lot of time and hard work, as well as having the benefit of support and help from various Directors. I was actively encouraged to attend local APC days, as well as online RICS tutorials and the inhouse self-help group. Attending these events and meetings allowed me to identify gaps in my knowledge and where I needed more experience. Closer to the assessment date, key members of staff were ready and willing to read my submissions, providing me with comments / advice on how to improve my work and helped me to further prepare for the final assessment with mock interviews.

Aside from the APC process, I really enjoy working for GSC Grays. We have regular social events, providing opportunities to get to know other colleagues in different offices, which creates a friendly working environment. Having passed my APC, I am now enjoying the opportunity of getting more involved in the business development and management side of things, which is encouraged by my senior colleagues.

Working with a like-minded, enthusiastic and dynamic group of people is motivating and inspiring, providing me with clear career progression within my role and within the firm. “

JASMIN LEETHAM PLACEMENT STUDENT Colburn Office

“After a rewarding placement year working with the Valuations and Surveys Department at GSC Grays, I was delighted to be offered a permanent Graduate position. There was no hesitation when accepting the role as I had already experienced what the company had to offer and knew I would be re-joining a great team and progressive company.

Since returning as a graduate, I have been able to apply all I learnt in my final year of University and expand my experience. I feel that I have slotted back into the team and that I am a trusted and valued member. This allows me to work independently, gaining confidence and experience, whilst knowing support is always available as and when required.

As with the majority of graduates, I am now focussed on gaining the necessary experience to allow me to sit my APC. I was able to record a variety of experience within different departments over my placement year, which has provided a solid and broad foundation to now progress from. The Directors and other senior members of staff take an active role in the professional development of both placement students and graduates, with three APC assessors within the company and a comprehensive support program in place, there is always someone on hand.

Overall GSC Grays is a great company to work for, both as a placement student and a graduate.”

VICTORIA STEELE TRAINEE SURVEYOR Colburn Office

“The unrivalled APC support provided by GSC Grays primarily attracted me to the opportunity of a placement with the firm. By kickstarting the APC process early on, GSC Grays ensures that individuals are fully prepared for final assessments following graduation. Internal group APC revision sessions have proven to be a resourceful way of improving my knowledge and aiding my day to day tasks, setting me in good stead for my future revision.

Whilst working with the Estate Management team, I have been provided with a variety of tasks. This has not only enhanced the quality of my for my APC. Although encouragement is given to undertake work independently, a high level of support is upheld from colleagues and directors. The responsibility of managing property and dealing with clients has improved my confidence and developed my professional aptitude and skillset.

The provision of internal conferences, training and small social events has created the chance to liaise with colleagues in other offices. Furthermore, the variety of professional teams within the firm allows exposure to a broad range of specialisms, providing an insight of the various career opportunities available in the rural sector.

GSC Grays maintains a healthy balance of a professional, yet sociable working environment which offers the key to an exciting and rewarding career within the world of Chartered Surveying.” HANNAH PROCTOR GRADUATE FARM BUSINESS CONSULTANT Colburn Office

“During my final year at Harper Adams University I contacted GSC Grays regarding a potential position as a Graduate Farm Business Consultant and was delighted to be offered a job in February 2020. Following completion of my degree in Agriculture with Farm Business Management in July 2020, I had initially planned to spend time travelling. Due to Covid-19, travel plans were inevitably cancelled, and I decided to spend four experience here but has also contributed towards a range of competencies

months working on the family farm before joining GSC Grays in October.

Despite the ongoing situation regarding Covid-19 I have been fully supported throughout the induction process. During my time so far with the Company I have already been involved with a variety of work and been given responsibilities to allow me to develop my ability. It has been great to become a part of a progressive and dynamic Company with such a strong reputation within the North East of England. As a graduate I believe that working for a Company with a variety of skills in all aspects of rural business will benefit my career progression.

All members of the Company have been very welcoming, and I look forward to my future at GSC Grays.”

“Having joined the Company after completing my degree at Harper Adams University in July 2018, GSC Grays have been incredibly supportive in welcoming me to the firm.

The Company’s structure makes it extremely easy for both graduates and placement students alike to progress with their APC and CAAV exams at the very beginning of their professional careers. My role within the Company has moved me away from my familiarity with Estate Management which I gained during my placement year and allowed me to undertake a wide range of planning and development work as well as giving me autonomy over residential portfolios. This diverse range of work will significantly aid my APC allowing me to gauge a comprehensive understanding of tasks all suited to my chosen competencies. ALICE BONAS

The internal structure for APC support is incredibly attractive and one of the main reasons I chose a career with GSC Grays. Key members of staff within the Company are APC assessors and supervisors/counsellors, ensuring support is there from the outset and throughout your journey to becoming a fully qualified surveyor.

As well as the young dynamic nature of the Company, the reputation that GSC Grays holds in the North of England is something which I found appealing when searching for my future graduate position. “ SURVEYOR Barnard Castle