NAW Case Study - Keith Reddy
Introduction
Apprenticeships play a critical role in developing skilled professionals within local government, particularly in specialist areas such as building safety and fire compliance. By combining structured learning with real operational responsibility, apprenticeships help organisations build capability while offering learners clear pathways into meaningful, long-term careers.
This case study highlights the experience of Keith Reddy, an Apprentice Building Surveying Technician at Portsmouth City Council, whose apprenticeship is supporting the delivery of vital fire safety work while developing his technical knowledge, confidence, and professional judgement.
A Defining Start in Fire Safety and Building Surveying
Keith describes starting his apprenticeship as a significant milestone in his career.
“Starting my role as an Apprentice Building Surveying Technician (Fire) has been a defining milestone in my career.”
In his day-to-day role, Keith undertakes a range of fire safety and compliance activities across council-owned buildings.
“I carry out communal fire door surveys, PIB inspections, and help close overdue fire risk assessment actions. I’m also responsible for writing mitigation reports, ensuring that any issues identified are clearly communicated and prioritised.”
This work has enabled Keith to develop both technical fire safety knowledge and a strong sense of accountability.
“This role has allowed me to develop the confidence to handle real accountability in keeping buildings safe.”
The Impact of the Apprenticeship on Career Development
Keith’s apprenticeship has accelerated his professional growth by combining practical surveying work with structured learning and support.
“My apprenticeship has had a huge impact on my development. It has given me a clear professional pathway, structured learning, and hands on experience that I simply wouldn’t get through classroom training alone.”
The opportunity to learn directly from experienced colleagues has been particularly valuable.
The mix of practical surveying work, study, and guidance from experienced colleagues has helped me grow far more quickly than I expected.”
Through the programme, Keith has built a strong foundation in fire safety compliance and building surveying principles.
“I now have a strong foundation in fire safety compliance and building surveying principles, and I’m steadily working towards gaining recognised qualifications that will support my long term career goals. The apprenticeship has also improved my problem solving skills, communication, and professional judgement skills that continue to open new progression opportunities for me.”
What Keith Values Most About His Apprenticeship
A key strength of Keith’s apprenticeship is the balance between responsibility and support.
“What I enjoy most is the balance between learning and responsibility. Every week brings new situations, different buildings, different defects, and different challenges, so the work stays varied and engaging.”
Keith also highlights the importance of a supportive learning environment.
“I’m encouraged to ask questions, shadow experienced staff, and stretch my abilities without feeling out of my depth.”
Perhaps most importantly, Keith finds strong purpose in the impact of his work.
“Seeing my surveys and reports directly influence safety improvements is especially satisfying. Knowing my work helps protect residents and buildings gives me a strong sense of purpose.”
The Benefits of Apprenticeships
Keith believes apprenticeships offer advantages that traditional learning routes cannot replicate.
“In my opinion, apprenticeships offer benefits that traditional learning routes can’t match:
• Real experience: You learn from real scenarios, not just theory.
• Earning while learning: You gain qualifications without the financial pressure of student debt.
• Mentoring: You’re surrounded by experienced professionals invested in your success.
• Clear progression: You build a solid foundation for long term career development.
• Confidence: You grow into your role naturally, developing both technical and professional skills at a pace that feels achievable.
For anyone who learns best by doing, an apprenticeship is an ideal route.”
Advice for Learners Considering an Apprenticeship with LSP
Keith encourages prospective apprentices to fully embrace the opportunity.
“If someone is thinking about joining LSP as an apprentice, my advice is simple: go for it. Be prepared to work hard, stay curious, and make the most of every training opportunity. LSP provides a supportive atmosphere, a strong focus on personal development, and exposure to meaningful work from day one.
If you show motivation and initiative, you’ll progress quickly and gain skills that genuinely set you apart.”
Why Employers Should Offer Apprenticeships
From Keith’s perspective, apprenticeships deliver long-term value for employers.
“Employers benefit enormously from offering apprenticeships. Apprentices bring enthusiasm, new perspectives, and a willingness to learn. They can be trained to follow best practice from the start, helping to build a highly skilled workforce tailored to the organisation's needs. Apprenticeships also support succession planning and encourage a culture of learning and development across the whole team.
By investing in apprentices, employers help shape the future of their industry while also improving staff retention and long term capability.”
Conclusion
Keith’s apprenticeship journey demonstrates the value of apprenticeships in developing confident, capable professionals within critical public-sector services. Through his apprenticeship with Portsmouth City Council and LSP, Keith is gaining the technical expertise, professional confidence, and qualifications needed to build a long-term career in fire safety and building surveying.
His experience reinforces the importance of apprenticeships in safeguarding communities, developing specialist skills, and building a resilient workforce for the future.