Quantity surveyor Review

I work under my line manager to put together cost estimates, cost plans and other relate to documents. I also perform site visits for valuations and attend meetings- both with contractors and clients. Design team meetings are a big part of my work as I have to track design changes in order to cost them and keep prices accurate. I have also worked on the procurement stage of a construction project. I have learnt a lot in my role.

The skill I believe I have developed The most is communication and negotiation. I have developed my skills in written and spoken communication and I believe this is paramount for my job role. I enjoy speaking to contractors and clients and using my negotiation skills to find simple and effective solutions. I have also development my written skills as I have learnt to write professional reports and presentations, as well as emails to the team.

I love working on this programme. It has given me the freedom to earn while I learn and I believe I have learnt so much from being in the work place. I have begun to build a strong network and I believe these links will continue to benefit my career moving forward. I also get a lot of help and support from my company with my university work. I have made friends both at uni and at work.

The programme from my company’s side is very well structured. They put a separate internal training plan in place to ensure we are up to date with our uni work as well as preparing us for the APC process. I believe this is extremely important. The university degree has been well structured however can sometimes be unorganised and apprentices do not always receive full information unlike full time students. This has caused some unnecessary stress for some apprentices.

I receive so much support from my employer. They have a great support team for the apprentices and help you socially but also with any work you have to do as well as additional training to put you ahead of others at different firms. The people and development team want to see you do well and put lots of time into making sure that happens. My team are also very supportive and helpful with my work.

London South Bank Uni aren’t great at providing support for apprentices and I believe that my employer has been far more supportive. I think full time students receive a lot more help than we do and often the structure of certain modules etc. Isn’t explained very well so you can be left feeling confused. Some lecturers are hard to understand and over complicate things however there have been some amazing lecturers who really want to see you do well.

My degree has given me a great understanding of the construction process and in particular materials and structures. This is helpful as when I am reading documents or listening to meetings and people bring up concepts or words I understand what they’re talking about. I am able to link work conversations and my knowledge from uni and I understand process in the work place. There is context as to why I’m doing things.

I attend NextGen networking events to socialise with people I may not have met otherwise at work. I also attend team and project drinks and experiences in order to form a better bond with the people I work with. I have not joined any sports teams but there are a lot to chose from at my company, I know a lot of people who are on the teams and they really enjoy taking part in the events.

Yes

They are very supportive with your studies and progression. Everyone is friendly and wants to see you do well. There is a big emphasis on staff being happy and the social life is really great. There are sports teams and lots of socials and events to get involved in and you quickly build a network with your colleagues and other team members. The projects are amazing and it’s great to be part of such a well known company.

Ensure your application if professional and you sell yourself in your cv. Be prepared to be chatty and work hard in your assessment day and then interview. Make sure you research the company and previous projects so you know what you are talking about. Relax and don’t worry- everyone is lovely and it’s a great environment to work in if you do get the job. Work hard and smile and you’ll do well!