Q&A with Charlotte - our Apprentice Surveyor

Charlotte joined us at the end of 2024, as an Apprentice Surveyor. She is currently studying for a BSc in Real Estate at the University of Westminster, and has completed four years out of her five-year course.

Charlotte is from Bedford and is a member of Bedford Hospital Charity and Friends Board. In her spare time she enjoys dance, tennis and travelling, and is Head of Dance at her University.

What does a typical day look like for you?
The cliché of no two days is quite the same, but it is true and that is one of the things I enjoy most. I’m currently based at the Bedford office, working within the Agency team. Depending on the day, I might be in the office liaising with clients or doing admin, out on viewings, or visiting sites to gain a better understanding of the properties we’re marketing. I’ve also had the chance to work with other departments, namely the Valuation team, which has helped broaden my understanding whilst working towards my End Point Assessment with RICS to qualify as a Chartered Surveyor. 

What tasks do you complete on a day-to-day basis?
Day-to-day, I support with marketing properties, booking and attending viewings, writing property descriptions, assisting with marketing reports, and liaising with clients and applicants. I’m constantly learning through practical involvement—whether that’s sitting in on negotiations or helping to manage databases and enquiries. It’s a real mix of admin, client interaction, and property-focused work.

What’s your favourite part of working at KD?
The people, without a doubt. The team is incredibly supportive and always happy to share knowledge, no matter how busy things get. There’s a real sense of collaboration, and I’ve been given the space to grow and take on responsibility while knowing I have guidance when I need it.

Why did you decide to start an apprenticeship?
I chose a degree apprenticeship because it offers the best of both worlds: hands-on experience in a real work environment while working toward a recognised qualification. I've been in the programme for four years now, with just one year to go! One of the biggest advantages was the ability to earn a salary and avoid student debt, all while continuing to learn and grow professionally. I still get to enjoy university life—joining student societies, socialising, and making friends—while spending four days a week gaining practical skills on the job and learning directly from experienced professionals.

How do you manage the learning and working aspects of the apprenticeship?
It’s all about planning and communication. I ensure I dedicate time each week for university work and stay organised with deadlines. Kirkby Diamond is really understanding when it comes to balancing study and work, which makes a huge difference. The variety in both areas keeps things interesting and helps reinforce what I’m learning.

What is your proudest achievement to date?
One of my proudest moments was independently managing viewings and liaising with both clients and applicants with confidence—something that seemed daunting at first. I’ve also received positive feedback from clients and colleagues, which shows how far I’ve come since starting.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to other people?
Absolutely – I already do. It’s a brilliant way to gain real-world experience, earn while you learn, and build a strong foundation for a long-term career. If you’re motivated and keen to learn, an apprenticeship offers opportunities you just can’t get from a traditional academic route alone.