Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

My job role is to track and manage projects, commercially. I keep tabs on subcontracting, deliveries, orders, plant, and requisitions, basically procurement. Day to day I place or track work packages/ orders and make sure that invoices are paid to an agreeable amount. I also check and audit site plant and timesheets.

My mental maths has improved as well as my understanding of construction techniques and methods/ procurement methods. I have made progress tracking cost and spend, going to site has given context to all the work I do in the office. I have also developed my communication skills through, consulting with subbies and colleagues,

I find the work I do to be interesting, it keep me occupied in terms of wanting to learn and understand to a greater extent the commercial impacts behind construction projects. I also find my colleagues friendly and helpful. The people are what make it here, they are what make me want to do well and succeed.

The programme is not very well structured at all, I was allocated a mentor without a programme to follow. We are supposed to use our NVQ as a guide to our job, however, the NVQ isn't truly linked to the sector we work in, water infrastructure/ civil engineering. My mentor has helped me out, she has helped me structure my own plan to follow in terms of measurable goals to try and achieve or improve upon.

My employer allocated me a mentor who, is very helpful. She's always there for me when I need assistance with certain processes or aid with understanding/ adding context to certain processes or tasks. She helped me structure a plan and is utilising me in ways that helps me to improve upon my plans goals and targets. My line manager and commercial team are also very helpful, if there is ever anything I am stuck with there is always somebody that is willing to or can help you out. Everyone gets on and there is no animosity or issues within the team. My line manager has also specified to me and fellow apprentices that if there is anything we need assistance with in terms of college or NVQ work we only have to ask him, for time to complete the work or assistance.

My training provider couldn't do any more for me. If ever I am stuck or need something explained further then they are willing to resolve the issue whatever it may be. They are supportive of our interests in regards to the course and progression and give you good and honest advice. The coursework is a breeze if you just pay attention and attend. They are also good at assisting with the NVQ work.

The course I am on is quite broad and mainly covers civil engineering, so it again it does add context as to why we do certain things. It does help when considering surveying and measuring out. Maths helped me to improve upon those skills. However, it isn't really that helpful when linking to my job role as we don't really cover anything to do with contracts law, management, procurement or tracking a schemes progress.

There's plenty to get stuck in to if you so choose to. Sports and social tend to organise a few events a month. There is always something linked to charity events going on, bake sales, cook offs, sporting activities etc... There are opportunities provided to network or go to governing body events i.e. chartership events.

Yes

Overall, the experience I have had, has been positive and well received by myself. My colleagues couldn't be more helpful or friendly. My employer is very fair, in terms of allowing holidays and flexibility, should you require it. The job role itself is interesting to me. The people are what make it here.

My advice would be to remain teachable, approachable and friendly and take on-board any advice given. Always ask questions and absorb as much as you can. Try and be pro-active, confident in your abilities and positive. What effort you put in, is what you'll get out of an apprenticeship. Bentley's will help you go the extra mile, as long as you've shown willingness, effort and results. The people here are what make it.