MY APPRENTICESHIP JOURNEY
FROM RECEPTIONIST TO PROPERTY SURVEYOR
Meet the trainee property surveyor at Stockton-based North Star Housing , who is a brilliant example of how apprenticeships can shape a rewarding career …
Rising star – Alex McGirr is enjoying life with North Star Housing .
Alex McGirr was born in Middlesbrough and raised in Ingleby Barwick . After leaving Conyers Secondary school , she admits she had no clear career path in mind .
“ My mum predicted that I ’ d end up in beauty or hairdressing , and while I did initially dabble in both of those fields , they just didn ’ t feel right ,” she says .
Alex later studied travel and tourism at college , combining her studies with an evening job as a lettings receptionist .
She really enjoyed the business side of the role and decided to apply to the North East Chamber of Commerce for a business administration apprenticeship . The chamber put her forward for a vacancy at North Star Housing .
“ I hadn ’ t heard of North Star before , but I did some research and I liked the sound of the company ,” Alex says . “ The interview process was great , and I thought , ‘ I can picture myself being among these people ’. time position and later successfully interviewed for a full-time role .
“ North Star have always been so supportive and nurturing ,” says Alex , who later took on the position of property compliance assistant before progressing to become a compliance coordinator .
After five years with the company and with her confidence growing , Alex decided she wanted more qualifications .
“ One of our asset surveyors suggested I pursue an HNC in Building Studies as it would open doors for me ,” she recalls .
“ It wasn ’ t easy . I was the only female on my course , I was working and managing my studies as well as planning my wedding . Then , in the second year , I was pregnant , so I had to finish my assignments while on maternity leave .
ABOUT NORTH STAR
“ But I persevered and completed the qualification . When I came back from maternity , a trainee property surveyor position came up at North Star . It was a great fit and perfect timing !”
A bright future Alex is now working towards becoming a fully qualified property surveyor by December 2025 .
“ Ten years ago , I wouldn ' t have dreamed of becoming a surveyor . I ’ m just glad I stayed openminded because there are loads of opportunities in housing .
“ I ’ m also a great advocate for apprenticeships because they offer practical , hands-on experience that ’ s invaluable .
“ I ’ m certainly proof that you don ’ t have to follow a traditional route to success . Sometimes finding a supportive company and putting your trust in them can lead to amazing opportunities .”
“ Though I was nearly 23 when I was taken on - late for an apprentice - I was over the moon when I got the offer .”
Climbing the ladder Although Alex loved her apprenticeship with North Star , she knew there was no guarantee of a full-time job , so she continued working her evening job .
Fortunately , as her apprenticeship was ending , a part-time technical services assistant role became available . Alex secured the part-
North Star Housing is a North-East housing association focused on providing affordable homes and supporting communities across Tees Valley , North Yorkshire and County Durham .
Beyond building homes , they aim to create positive futures through strong community and tenant connections . Their initiatives include school breakfast clubs , reading groups , homework support , community gardens , work placements and foodbank support .
People are at the heart of North Star ’ s mission , with their values and strategy centered on creating thriving places to live and work . Their unique culture drives their commitment to making a real difference .
Find out more about careers at North Star Housing at northstarhg . co . uk 47