Design Technician [CAD]
Nylah is an apprentice CAD (Computer Aided Design) Designer with the Berkeley Group
I’m a technical apprentice with the Berkeley Group. We’re building new homes and shops on a large construction site.
I help by checking drawings from the architects, making sure everything on the inside is correct, and helping to plan what it will be like – where the wardrobes will go, the style of kitchen units, or what colour the floors will be.
I also help make sure everything’s ready before people move in. It’s exciting knowing I’m part of a team that creates great places for people to live in.
I love that every day brings something new. There’s always a challenge or something different to get stuck into, and I’ve learnt so much by being right in the middle and needing to work with lots of different teams.
At first, it was a bit overwhelming. I came into the job at 18 and didn’t have loads of experience, but over time it’s all started to make sense. I get to work on real buildings and help shape the places people will call home, and that’s an amazing feeling.
I also love the chance to keep learning. Once a week, I head into university to study for my Level 4 HNC (Higher National Certificate) as a Construction Design & Build Technician and for the rest of the week I’m working in my job, so I’m always picking up new skills.
I have to be organised, precise, and confident. I often use a piece of software called Bluebeam. It lets me markup architects’ drawings and add notes about what needs changing. I also use Excel all the time to make trackers and organise information.
Problem-solving is a big part of my job too – like when something in a drawing doesn’t work and I have to quickly figure out a fix. Communication is another skill I’ve really improved. I was shy at first, but I’ve learnt to speak up and ask questions when I need to.
I work in a technical team of about 10 people, but we share an office with lots of other teams too. It’s a really supportive place. Even though I’m an apprentice, and the youngest, everyone is really supportive and treats me as part of the team.
There’s always someone I can go to for advice and help. At first, I was a bit nervous, but now I feel totally comfortable. And it’s not just all men who work here, there are quite a few other women in my team, which is great.
Bluebeam is definitely my favourite tool. It’s a piece of software that lets me review and markup drawings from the architects. I can highlight areas, add comments and show exactly where changes need to be made.
It makes it easier for everyone to understand what’s wrong and how to fix it. Instead of just writing it down, I can show them visually. That’s really helpful when you’re dealing with complicated floor plans or trying to explain something clearly.
When I was younger, I loved baking, especially my favourite – a school-style sprinkle cake, but now that I’m working full-time, I don’t have as much time to bake.
These days I like doing Pilates and yoga when I can, but honestly, after work I’m often just tired and want to relax. Sometimes I’ll just chill out watching TV or head out for food with friends. Shopping’s still my number one hobby! I love going out with friends, looking at clothes and trying new places to eat.
One of the proudest moments so far was getting praised by my manager and the head of technical for my work on a block handover. I created a spreadsheet recording all the documents and certificates we needed and helped manage the meetings with the organisation who were taking over some of the flats.
It felt good to be recognised for my hard work and to know that I’d made a real contribution.
People often think building homes is all about bricks and concrete, but there’s a lot more that happens before that. I spend loads of time reviewing tiny details, like how wardrobe doors open or what colour tiles go in a bathroom.
Even small mistakes can cause big problems later, so it’s important to get everything right early on. I also assist the commercial team by checking the final quantities of things, like wardrobe doors and kitchen cabinets, so they know how much to order.
I’m finishing my Level 4 HNC soon and then I’ll be starting my Level 6 qualification. I am going to continue progressing with the Berkeley Group and I am looking forward to taking on more responsibilities.
Just go for it because you never know what could happen. I nearly went to university, but trying a T-level changed everything for me.
Find something you actually enjoy, because that makes such a difference. And don’t be afraid to connect with people and ask questions – that’s how you learn and grow.
Discover what qualifications you’ll need, how much you can earn, and what the next steps are.
