TO mark the upcoming Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3-7 March), Miller Homes has highlighted Emily McNeice (23), who has completed her apprenticeship with the housebuilder’s Scotland West region.
Emily worked with Miller Homes as a trainee surveyor apprentice while gaining her qualification from Glasgow Caledonian University. She went on to become an assistant surveyor in March 2023 and worked towards her recent promotion, which saw her secure the role as a surveyor.
“Apprenticeship programmes are very accessible and can be found across a range of industries,” Emily said. “I first learnt about the apprenticeship programme in high school when speaking with my career adviser. I thought surveying sounded interesting, so I decided to take a leap of faith and apply – I couldn’t recommend the experience enough. Going to university through the apprenticeship programme gave me a great advantage, with a wealth of practical experience under my belt through my role at Miller Homes.”
Emily is now working through her Royal Institution of Chartered Survey (RICS) accreditation to further her skills and is expected to complete this by the end of the year.
The surveyor saw the completion of her first development last year where she worked initially as an assistant to a senior surveyor on the Highstonehall development in Hamilton. Emily then had the chance to oversee Highstonehall Park, the second phase of the project. She has since gone on to manage Constarry Gardens, a development in Croy, North Lanarkshire.
“Constarry Gardens is a unique site and has come with external challenges, which has been great for broadening my experience,” Emily added. “We’ve been working closely with the housing association on this development which was a first for me. It’s been a balancing act to work with internal and external decision makers, but it has been extremely rewarding to see this community grow.
“Constarry Gardens is situated within a former quarry site, located close to the Roman Antonine Wall. Due to its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the former quarry basin, we’ve had to safely factor these into our build programme. Working in conjunction with multiple departments both internally and externally has been exceptionally rewarding ensuring our new residents, the wider community and the existing environment and biodiversity of the area merge seamlessly.
“It’s been really rewarding to see a once derelict and inaccessible space transform into a thriving new community of homes surrounded by newly created greenspaces and a vibrant new community.”
Emily has also had the pleasure of mentoring new trainee surveyor apprentice, Sofiza, who is following in her footsteps. Emily said, “Going down this route requires commitment and the eagerness to learn. You need to invest in the company as much as they invest in you, and I’ve been so lucky to be supported by such a wonderful team at Miller Homes. Everyone has been so supportive in my learning, which has been essential to my development.
“During my apprenticeship, I would spend four days a week in the office and then one day learning the theory related to building and civil engineering projects at Glasgow Caledonian University. It was great as I managed to meet new people who were also going into the construction industry.”
When asked what advice she would give those considering a career in construction, Emily added, “There are so many areas within the industry to consider. Initially, I was a little hesitant to enter what was traditionally a male industry, but I shouldn’t have been; there are more females than ever in the sector. As long as you are passionate about pursuing a career, the rest will come.”
Miller Homes launched its Early Talent Scheme last year, designed to attract and nurture individuals in the early stages of their careers. The programme offers hands-on learning, mentorship, and tailored development opportunities across various departments.
