Apprentice profile: Harry Moore

“I’m glad I made the move from football into quantity surveying - I’m enjoying the job and looking forward to the future.”

After turning down a contract to play football in America, Harry Moore decided to embark on a new career in construction. Now three years into his apprenticeship, he is well on his way to gaining a degree in quantity surveying and commercial management, and is already leading his own projects.

“At college, I did a BTEC diploma in sports science and business management and was aiming to pursue a football career,” says Harry. “I got a contract to play football in America but after spending a couple of weeks living there, I changed my mind and decided to come back home.”

When Harry returned, he knew he had to find another job, so contacted Diamond Special Works as he already had some experience working for the team.

He explains: “I’d spent a couple of years working for Diamond Special Works during the summer holidays, which mainly involved labouring on site. I asked if I could come back and they offered me a role in the office helping out.”

After a year, Harry was given the opportunity to take part in the company’s apprenticeship scheme. The five-year programme is enabling Harry to study towards a degree in quantity surveying and commercial management while gaining practical experience. One day is spent at the University of Westminster and the other four in the Diamond Special Works office.

Harry says: “Being able to learn on the job and study at the same time has been really beneficial as the practical side helps to put my studies into context.

“I’ve been given lots of responsibility and trust, and that’s also helped me to learn quickly.

My typical day can involve many different tasks such as evaluating costs, placing orders, arranging health and safety documents, and liaising with clients on the progress of projects.”

Now three years into his apprenticeship, Harry is already leading his own projects, including being the quantity surveyor for one of Diamond Special Works largest ever contracts. The project involved the development of Linden House, a new supported living facility in Tottenham on behalf of Haringey Council. The £1.3m scheme, which was formerly a residential home, comprises four apartments each with their own living area, bedroom, fully adapted kitchen and ensuite bathroom.

“Being asked to be the surveyor for Linden House was a real highlight for me,” Harry adds. “It was the first big job that I’d been asked to manage on my own and it was a really interesting and beneficial experience.”

He continues: “I didn’t ever see myself going to university so I’m grateful for that opportunity and the chance to gain a stable career. When I’ve finished my course, I want to keep climbing up the ladder into a managerial role. I’m glad I made the move from football into quantity surveying - I’m enjoying the job and looking forward to the future.”

To find out more about what it is like to work at Diamond Build Group, including its apprenticeship schemes, please email: careers@diamondbuildgroup.com