Sam Knowles, Quantity Surveyor at the Walters Group is having a year to remember. In June this year and following five years of study at University of South Wales, Sam gained a first class honours degree in Quantity Surveying and Construction Management. This outstanding achievement was sandwiched between gaining AssocRICS professional accreditation in March and being nominated for Student of the Year (Higher Education) at the Construction Excellence in Wales (G4C) Awards 2019 held last week at the Senedd. Alongside his work commitments and studies, he has been putting himself through a gruelling training regime which saw him become an Ironman at the Ironman-Wales Triathlon 2019.

Sam”s seven year pathway to professional status started with Walters in September 2012 through the Heads of the Valleys Apprenticeship scheme that was created to target young people living within the Valleys catchment, where he gained BTEC and NVQ qualifications over two years. From here Sam enrolled onto a five year part-time degree course in Quantity Surveying.

Sam commented “Throughout my time at Walters, I have been fortunate to have had the full support and guidance of so many departments along with the constant professional guidance and mentorship of the Commercial Director. This support and guidance is something that is not readily available and cannot be attained through the more formal full-time education route”.

John Griffiths, Commercial Director of Walters, said: “We are delighted and proud of Sam”s achievements which are a testimony to his determination and commitment to succeed. His accomplishments are an upshot of the hard yards and efforts on his part and typify his effervescent character and are thoroughly deserved.”

“He is a great asset to both Walters and the Welsh construction sector and an exemplar for Higher and Degree type Apprenticeships.

“Well Done “Ironman Sam””