National Apprenticeship Week: Charlie Bowyer

Charlie Bowyer
07th February 2024

Charlie Bowyer, Graduate Planner, 24

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2024, we’re sitting down for a chat with Charlie.

Charlie joined us in May 2022 as a graduate planner, after completing his undergraduate degree in ‘Planning and Property Development’ at Oxford Brookes University. Charlie is continuing his studies and working towards a Master’s in ‘Spatial Planning’ with the ambition to become a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

How did you first hear about the apprenticeship?

I attended the Oxford Brookes Careers Fair towards the end of 2021. It was there that I started talking to the Edgars team, who explained the various options available to me in both developing academically and professionally in a cohesive way.

I found it beneficial to discuss this in person, which provided ample opportunity to ask various questions about the apprenticeship route and understand more about Edgars and the projects the team works on.

What made you choose an apprenticeship?

I was eager to continue my academic studies. However, I didn’t want to spend another year in a university environment full time. The apprenticeship route allowed me to progress without incurring additional tuition fees or student loans.

How have you found being an apprentice at Edgars?

A major draw in choosing the apprenticeship route was that Edgars had an impressive track record in supporting apprentices throughout their apprenticeship programme. The myriad of projects that you get to work here on keeps the daily tasks interesting and engaging.

20 months on, do you feel like an apprenticeship was still the right choice?

It was definitely the right choice for me. Besides the academic and professional growth, I have experienced, the apprenticeship route allowed me to support myself financially. Moving from a relatively rural environment down in the south of England to a market town in West Oxfordshire would have been very difficult to achieve when considering alternative career paths.

What advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship?

I won’t lie, you must be prepared to work hard. There will be a lot of administrative tasks involved when completing the apprenticeship route. However, if you plan ahead and choose a company like Edgars, you will experience bundles of encouragement and support to assist you throughout the process.

Thank you, Charlie, and good luck with the rest of your apprenticeship!

For information on joining us as an apprentice, get in touch via careers@edgarslimited.co.uk

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest planning news, industry insights, events and more.
Back to news

Subscribe to our newsletter

Planning news, industry insights and key events straight to your inbox

"*" indicates required fields

How would you like to hear from us?
Please select all of the ways you'd like to hear from Edgars.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.