Christopher McCunnie recently qualified as a trainee quantity surveyor with City Building, progressing from his first role as an apprentice within the firm in 2013.
Christopher, aged 31, was born in Parkhead, in the East End of Glasgow. The first in his family to receive a degree, Christopher has recently qualified from Glasgow Caledonian University with an honours degree in Quantity Surveying, which was sponsored by his employer. He first joined the construction firm as an adult apprentice joiner, after a stint as an Ames Taper and completing a HNC in Construction Management.
Christopher remains in the East End, now with a young family including wife Laura and three-year-old son Oliver, and another baby on the way. He reflects on his career with City Building, and his achievement, alongside two other trainee quantity surveyors.
Christopher said: “I’m really proud of what Mark, Karen and I have achieved with this qualification. I had never considered quantity surveying before, but after my HNC, I realised how much I enjoyed the academic side of it and wanted the opportunity to better myself. City Building constantly email employees about opportunities to progress their workforce, and it seemed daft not to grab it with both hands.
“With a young family, the opportunity to study during working hours was perfect for me. While I’m used to doing overtime, being able to juggle both work, study and family life made everything a lot easier. It was very accessible, which was a big attraction for me.
“In the end, I wrote my dissertation on equality and diversity within construction. I was actually inspired by all of the awards won by City Building. While it remains a very male-dominated industry, there have always been opportunities for men and women alike in the company – they really are steps ahead in the sector.
“To anyone considering an apprenticeship, I would really encourage you to go for it. It doesn’t stop there, there are so many opportunities which can come with the skillset you learn. I have a lot of ambitions to do more, maybe another degree with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, though after a few years off studying to spend with my family.
“I’m really excited to get stuck into the role, and to see what comes from this degree. The fact that it’s a qualification valid in other countries is a huge bonus – not that I have any plans to leave City Building anytime soon.”
