Jack Vincett’s Apprenticeship Journey

At Fluid Glass, structural glazing and architectural glazing are at the core of what we do. From bespoke structural glass installations in high-end residential homes to precision-engineered glazing systems that transform living spaces, our work demands commercial awareness, technical detail, and strong project coordination.

That is why we are proud to introduce Jack Vincett, our new Projects Coordinator, whose apprenticeship journey is already playing a key role in supporting our bespoke structural glazing projects across the UK.

Apprenticeships remain one of the most valuable entry routes into the UK construction industry. In sectors like structural glazing, where technical accuracy and commercial control must align, apprenticeship-trained professionals bring real, practical value to projects from day one.

The UK construction industry continues to evolve, particularly in specialist sectors such as architectural glazing. Projects are becoming more design-led, more technically demanding, and more commercially scrutinised.

A Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician apprenticeship does not just provide academic knowledge. It develops practical skills in cost management, risk awareness, contract understanding, and communication. Apprentices are embedded within live projects, learning how commercial decisions directly impact programme, quality, and client relationships.

Jack’s pathway through his Level 4 apprenticeship with Skills 4 Stem has given him a strong commercial foundation that now directly supports our residential structural glazing projects.

I began my Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician apprenticeship with a large Tier 1 property services contractor as an apprentice QS. I have now moved into a procurement role at Fluid Glass, working on bespoke structural glazing and architectural glazing projects for high-end residential homes.

On paper, Quantity Surveying to procurement might seem like a significant shift. I see it as switching lenses rather than changing direction. I'm still using everything I learned about cost control, budgets, and commercial risk.

As a QS, I was tracking budgets, managing variations, and negotiating final accounts. Final account negotiation teaches you that detail decides outcomes. Small scope gaps can create major financial implications. That mindset transfers directly into procurement.

In my current role, I'm shaping outcomes earlier in the project lifecycle. Instead of managing cost after scope has landed, I'm helping define and structure packages from the start. That includes selecting reliable suppliers for structural glazing components, comparing quotations properly, and ensuring documentation is clear and aligned with design intent.

Client experience remains central. Whether it is a bespoke glass extension, sliding system, or architectural glazing feature within a luxury home, the goal is always a smooth, streamlined project from start to finish.

One of the biggest differences I have noticed is how risk is approached.

As a QS, you often manage risk once it appears. In procurement, you try to stop it appearing in the first place.

Structural glazing projects, especially in high-end residential properties, demand precision. Lead times, bespoke manufacturing, technical drawings, and installation sequencing must align perfectly. Selecting the correct supplier is not just about price. It is about reliability, quality, and understanding the complexity of bespoke structural glazing systems.

Both roles require commercial awareness, negotiation skills, strong documentation, and attention to detail. The difference is timing. Procurement allows you to influence the commercial outcome before the project gains momentum.

The start of my career at Fluid Glass has been excellent. I'm surrounded by professionals with over a decade of experience in structural glazing and architectural glazing.

I'm learning directly from Senior Project Manager Valerio Vigna and our Pre-Construction Manager Joe Verbena. Being able to sit in on technical conversations, review drawings, and understand how design decisions impact cost and programme is invaluable.

Working on high-end residential homes means every detail matters. Clients expect precision, transparency, and quality. That environment pushes you to raise your standards daily.

My apprenticeship has not been left behind. If anything, it has become more relevant. Understanding variations, scope gaps, and payment structures helps me write clearer enquiries and compare supplier quotations properly. Knowing how something will be measured and valued later allows me to make better decisions earlier.

This move does not feel like a detour. It feels like an expansion of my commercial foundation, applied earlier in the lifecycle of specialist structural glazing projects.

Moving companies during my apprenticeship was a step into the unknown. It showed me something important. Skills are not limited to job titles.

Quantity Surveying taught me the rules of the commercial game. Procurement is teaching me how to influence the game before it begins.

At Fluid Glass, working within structural glazing and architectural glazing, I feel I'm in an environment where I can continue learning quickly, take on responsibility, and grow into a well-rounded commercial professional within a specialist and evolving sector.

We are always interested in speaking to ambitious individuals who want to build a career in structural glazing and architectural glazing.

If you are exploring apprenticeship pathways or looking to develop your career within a specialist, design-led construction business, we would love to hear from you.

Contact the Fluid Glass team to learn more about opportunities within our growing structural glazing team.