Assistant Quantity Surveyor Review

My role as part of the commercial team is to ensure the profitability of construction projects. This entails everything from estimating the project at tender stage to settling final account stage. Between these stages I will usually submit and agree monthly applications, prepare and manage subcontract packages and raise and agree variations to the contract. Every project varies greatly in size, cost, time frame and what is actually required. This means you must be adaptable and learn how to understand and interpret drawings and information on different projects.

I have learnt an abundance of skills during my apprenticeship. I have learnt how to negotiate with people inside and outside of my business whether this be clients or suppliers. This is a key skill in my role and will often help in the negotation of contracts, interim payments and final accounts. I have also learned to estimate and use new and different softwares. My microsoft office skills have also developed massively over my apprenticeship.

I enjoy being an apprenticeship and the opportunity to work and learn at the same time is very exciting as you are able to work and learn simultaneously. The work itself is interesting however it can become difficult and stressful, especially without the right support and training procedures outside of the course. The course itself helps to teach you what you need to know in the job and both go hand in hand with eachother.

The University programme is well structured in that we will cover modules relevant to what we will do at work and more. Quantity Surveyor's roles can vary depending on the industry they are in, the contracts they work with and the type of works they do. The course is designed to cover all areas so all students are able to gain an insight into their area of work and other areas should they ever diversify.

Support has been up and down from my employer as there are times where we will have one to one meetings every two weeks to discuss my progress inside and outside of my course however there are also times where such meetings will not take place for a while. This is more common outside of term time when I am not studying. Being the only QS apprentice at the office, the support system is not as well structured as it could be.

London South Bank University, my provider, generally offer support where required however a number of the lecturers could improve in many ways, one of which being support. We as students have found that once a module has been taught there is not a great deal of support offered. We may get a revision session but will not have access to past papers and exam questions to practice on. Support with coursework however is usually quite good.

The qualification helps me perform better in my role as I am able to learn tools and skills that I will use in my day to day role as a quantity surveyor. I have learnt how to measure better, take off and read drawings, how to design using CAD and how to prepare and analyse project costs all of which have come in handy during my working life. The provider could do better however by making law modules more construction related.

There are extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work every now and then. In my three years at the company, we have gone indoor skiing, bowling, have summer BBQ family days, christmas parties and have had a football game once or twice. There are also annual golf days however I don't play golf and so don't attend. There had been a number of events planned for this year which have been cancelled due to Covid.

Yes

The company is willing to invest their time, money and efforts if you are able to reciprocate the same with your efforts and performance. They have allowed me to develop as a person and Quantity Surveyor and commend me when I do well at work and on my course. They also support my studies and will allow me allocated time off before exams so I am able to revise more. I would recommend this company.

I would advise others applying to this company to acknowledge that while the company is investing in you, you are also investing in the company and must be willing to devote a lot of time and effort to grow with the company and give your all to make it work and become successful in your career. I would advise them against applying as an apprentice if they are unable to commit to a long term programme such as mine.