Introducing Finlay Jeffery
From work experience to apprenticeship: Fin’s journey into Quantity Surveying
We recently caught up with Fin, whose journey with Champion Groundworks began with a two-week work experience placement late last summer and has since progressed into a Quantity Surveying apprenticeship.
Before joining us, Fin was a fully qualified and self-employed bricklayer, having completed his bricklaying apprenticeship in 2020. While he enjoyed being on the tools, Fin had always had a strong interest in the technical and commercial side of construction. Last summer, he decided to explore that interest by joining our Exeter-based Quantity Surveying team on a two-week placement to gain first-hand insight into the day-to-day role and the wide range of projects our QS team supports across Devon.
Following a successful placement, we were delighted to offer Fin a three-month paid work placement, with the view to him starting an apprenticeship later in the year. We offer all prospective apprentices a paid placement prior to starting, giving them the opportunity to fully understand the role, its challenges, and the day-to-day responsibilities before committing to a longer-term apprenticeship.
Throughout his placement, Fin’s confidence and skills developed significantly, and we were extremely pleased when he chose to begin his Quantity Surveying apprenticeship with us in November 2025.
Today, Fin—while still learning—has already become a valued member of our Exeter team. He attends college one day per week at Exeter Future Skills College, where his studies are supported by real-world experience gained through his role within our busy QS department.
Talking about the transition from site to office, Fin said:
“The transition into an office-based role has been easy, largely due to the team around me. Champion Groundworks has a great group of people who work extremely hard but can still have a laugh and a joke—just like on site. There’s no intimidating hierarchy, and everyone is approachable. I feel really lucky to be completing my apprenticeship with such a well-respected business in the region.”
We’ll be keeping in touch with Fin throughout his apprenticeship—so check back soon for further updates on his progress.
