Charlie Billings, Stratford upon Avon School

I started the Design Engineer Construct! (DEC) programme in Year 7 at Stratford-upon-Avon School when I was 11 years old.

Five years later, I’d completed the Level 2 course, obtaining an A* grade and decided to complete my A-levels and carry on with Level 3 DEC with my teachers, Mrs Adamson and Mrs Dunne. I continued to really enjoy this course and quickly realised that I wanted to study and work in professional construction once I had finished school.

During sixth form, I was offered work experience with GIA Surveyors and LDL Architects, and soon realised that I was ahead of where I was expected to be!

Through my DEC studies, I already had a basic knowledge of construction principles, technologies and terminology, giving me a better understanding of what was happening in the office and on site. I believe this helped me get more from the experience than I may have with no prior understanding.

“I continued to really enjoy this course and quickly realised that I wanted to study and work in professional construction once I had finished school.” 

I decided to pursue a career in Building Surveying following discussions with my DEC teachers and those I had worked with. I ultimately chose this discipline as I felt it offered the widest variety of potential roles within a project, required a technical understanding and allowed me to work on site as well as from an office.

As I had really enjoyed applying my knowledge from the DEC course in a more practical environment, I felt an apprenticeship route was the best way for me to move into the industry.

I was fortunate enough to be offered an interview at Ridge and Partners in the Oxford Office. I spoke about my experience on the DEC course and hoped this, and my work experience, would set me apart from other applicants.

I went on to achieve grade A in DEC at Level 3 and Ridge and Partners offered me a Degree Apprenticeship position in Building Surveying, studying one day per week at the University of the Built Environment (UBE).

I found the first year of this course had significant similarities to some of the areas covered by the DEC course. This was again an advantage, as it allowed me to focus on life at Ridge over the first year and get used to working in a professional environment without the added stress of learning something completely new.

“I went on to achieve grade A in DEC at Level 3 and Ridge and Partners offered me a Degree Apprenticeship position in Building Surveying, studying one day per week at the University of the Built Environment (UBE). ” 

I’m now in my second year working for Ridge and have worked on a wide variety of projects across the country, both assisting senior members of the team and leading on some smaller projects. I have had some amazing opportunities to be involved in some incredible projects during my time at Ridge and have learnt a lot.

As a DEC Ambassador along with other past students, I now go back to Stratford-upon-Avon School to talk to current students and parents about life after completing DEC.

We’ve all gone on to study construction-related topics at university or degree apprenticeships in the industry. I massively recommend following this route into the industry to anyone with the opportunity to do so.

“I have had some amazing opportunities to be involved in some incredible projects during my time at Ridge and have learnt a lot.”

“Charlie exemplified what it means to be a true DEC student: curious, engaged, and constantly pushing for more sustainable, inclusive and innovative solutions to the challenges of the Built Environment. His dedication shone far beyond the classroom, where his industry work experience and grasp of BIM allowed him to perform with a confidence and skillset far beyond his years.

Charlie’s commitment has not only earned him a well deserved Degree Apprenticeship with Ridge and Partners, but it has also set him firmly on a trajectory to thrive as a future leader in the Built Environment.

With DEC as his foundation and the support of his team at Ridge, Charlie is well positioned to continue developing his skills and contribute meaningfully to the profession.”

Alli Adamson, Lead DEC teacher, Stratford upon Avon School

“The team at Stratford-upon-Avon School are amazing and both my sons loved the DEC course. The teachers are so supportive. It was the reason Charlie stayed at the school to do his A levels!

DEC has helped him so much in the first year of his apprenticeship at Ridge and Partners and has really helped him excel in his role.

I think Ridge were impressed just how much he had already covered before he started the job. I think it’s a fantastic qualification and would recommend it to anyone.”

John Paul Billings, Parent

““Charlie has become a key member of the team since joining us in September 2024. His ‘cando’ attitude, consistently positive mindset, and eagerness to learn and develop make him a joy to work with. It is impressive how quickly he has progressed in the relatively short period he has been with Ridge. I believe this is partly due to the strong background knowledge he gained through the DEC course at school, which has clearly been a great foundation for Charlie. Great work Charlie !”“

Caillin Taylor, Senior Associate, Ridge and Partners LLP