A student is embarking on her chosen career as a chartered surveyor without running up all the debt that university can bring.

Ruby Goodchild has always been fascinated by all things construction and homes.

Her family owns a construction company in King’s Lynn, and she spent a lot of time watching and listening.

Now she is studying remotely with a university while working for a Wisbech company and earning money instead of spending it.

Why this student is choosing an apprenticeship over university Why this student is choosing an apprenticeship over university (Image: Ian Burt)

She said: “I have always helped where I can, and I’ve been interested in everything around construction from a very young age."

Her work experience arranged by Springwood High School was with King’s Lynn estate agent Russen and Turner, and from there she met the team at Maxey Grounds, which is a firm of estate and land agents, chartered surveyors, valuers and auctioneers in Cambridgeshire.Springwood High School pupil Ruby Goodchild's apprenticeship Springwood High School pupil Ruby Goodchild's apprenticeship (Image: Ian Burt)

She said: “I met them at an event, and they offered me a job there and then.

"I would never have had the opportunity without Springwood, the staff there have been so supportive all the way through.

"Jamie Warner-Lynn (deputy headteacher) put me forward for the apprenticeship and Julie Frost was very helpful."