Meet Cassie
Apprentice
I had always wanted to be an architect until I went on work experience and realised it wasn’t for me which was quite a shock to the system. I had always believed I would go the traditional university route, but when I found myself at a loss for what to do it was my careers teacher who pointed me in the direction of Workplus and an apprenticeship.
It definitely required a bit of a mindset change for me and my family but I applied to the NIE Networks Quantity Surveying Higher Level Apprenticeship and was delighted to be accepted as the company’s first ever apprentice quantity surveyor. Every week I attend Ulster University to study towards my degree and I am now Quantity Surveyor for one of four contractors within Overhead Lines in the company.
My day to day is always varied, some days I’ll be out on site with excavation and reinstatement requirements and others are more office-based, working on overhead lines contracts.
At the end of my five-year apprentice I will be a chartered Quantity Surveyor with degree accreditation with RICS and no student debt which is just amazing.
In addition to the standard qualification, I’ve also got great learning and development opportunities through the company. I’ve attended events hosted by RICS to improve my skills and qualities within her workplace and I’ve done other profile pieces with the company or through WorkPlus to create a profile for females within the Construction industry.
It’s great to see the culture of apprenticeships changing. I think there has even been noticeable shift in the last few years. When I initially decided to pursue an apprenticeship, some people would have been a bit doubtful, asking (in a negative way) “Why are you doing that?”.
Now, when I tell people I’m an apprentice, they usually respond with “That’s class!” I’m really proud to be an apprentice with NIE Networks and feel it’s been such a good move for me. In terms of career advice, I’d encourage everyone to be openminded but choose a pathway that is tailored to your strengths. We’ll all be working for a long time so it’s also important to enjoy what you’re doing!
Cassie has been nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the Women in Business Awards 2025. It is a fitting tribute for someone who is so passionate about the impact it has had on her.