Carla Jokic and Maisie Millard joined Newmark straight from school at 18. Through the firm’s apprenticeship programme they have progressed into two specialist areas of real estate.
Now both Associates, Carla works in the European Data Centres team, based in London, advising on land and capital transactions across the sector. Maisie works in the Minerals and Waste team, based in Leeds, supporting major business rates clients alongside valuation, lease consultancy and agency work.
They reflect on why they chose the apprenticeship route, how it shaped their careers, and what they would say to someone considering the same path.
Why did you choose the apprenticeship route over university?
Carla: For me, there wasn’t anything I wanted to do at university enough to justify the investment. I had a general interest in real estate but no specific specialism in mind. I then found out about surveying and the breadth of the industry, and also the degree apprenticeship route, which allowed you to work and study simultaneously, avoiding tuition fees.
Maisie: During school and college, I always assumed I would go to university. I researched different degrees to try and get a better understanding of the career opportunities these would lead to before I made such a big decision.
That’s what led me, almost by accident, into apprenticeships. I realised this route best suited my style of learning, offering practical experience whilst achieving a degree. This route also provided me with clear career development opportunities from the start.
What’s the biggest difference between the apprentice route vs a graduate scheme?
Carla: When you start on the traditional rotational graduate scheme, you go straight into six-month rotations. With the apprenticeship, you don’t rotate straight away. I sat in the Residential Valuation team for the first three and a half years and then started doing rotations and recording APC competencies later.
The day-to-day role isn’t dissimilar to what you’d be doing as a graduate, but you become more entrenched in one team because you’ve been there for a longer period of time and build up a solid knowledge foundation.
Maisie: I completed my apprenticeship with the Minerals and Waste team and then qualified into that same team, so I’ve now been with them for over eight years. We work across business rates, valuation, lease consultancy and agency, which meant I could gain all the experience I needed for my APC. Undertaking my apprenticeship with the team provided me with the opportunity to build a deeper insight into the specialism over a longer period.
Has there been a standout moment or achievement that shaped your career?
Carla: I wouldn’t say there was one single defining moment, because the scheme is really about compounding a strong foundation over time. Being integrated in a professional team, getting exposure to clients, connecting with people across the business and contributing to projects all played a massive role in building confidence and skills.
That said, qualifying was definitely a significant milestone. It represented four and a half years of hard work and the transition from being a trainee to a qualified professional with more independence.
Maisie: For me, my latest promotion to Associate was definitely a standout moment. It felt like a big milestone and a reflection of the hard work and dedication throughout my journey at Newmark.
Do you think there can be a perceived stigma around apprenticeships in the real estate sector?
Carla: I think there can be a perception around apprenticeships generally which I was aware of, particularly the assumption that if you’ve chosen an apprenticeship, you've not done well academically. I was motivated to work, get exposure to a professional environment and to learn in a way that felt more relevant and applicable, so an apprenticeship was the perfect choice.
A lot is also dependent on your school. Mine was very focused on university pathways, so apprenticeships weren’t really highlighted, even though they probably would have suited many people. Now, I often hear, “I wish I’d known about that, I would definitely have done it”, so it’s positive to see the perception shifting.
Maisie: When I started, apprenticeships weren’t as common or as well understood, both in colleges or in the industry.
That being said, I do think there’s slowly been an attitude shift. In Minerals and Waste especially, apprenticeships have become crucial. There are no dedicated degrees you can undertake to become a chartered minerals and waste surveyor, so apprenticeships are key to bringing new talent into the sector.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Carla: I’ve always championed the apprenticeship route and believe it’s an excellent way to develop both personally and professionally. I feel this even more strongly in the current climate, where the barriers to entry for graduate jobs are rising every year.
Having five years of experience at the point of qualification and no debt is such an advantage, giving you a strong foundation and confidence in the early stages of your career.
Maisie: It depends on the individual, but the hands-on experience you get from day one is unmatched in enabling you to establish a strong foundation for your career.
You also have time. With a degree apprenticeship, you have time to learn the job, gain valuable skills and knowledge, and gain a greater understanding of the company before you have the pressure of the APC. Avoiding university debt is always a bonus too. It can be hard work, but it pays off.
How apprenticeships can fast track talent
Carla and Maisie’s journeys show exactly what apprenticeships can unlock: early responsibility, long-term growth and a clear pathway to qualification, all while earning and learning. Their experiences reinforce a powerful message that, for the right individuals, apprenticeships can be a launchpad and a fast-track to a thriving career.
Associate - Data Centres
Associate - Business Rates - Minerals and Waste Management
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