Apprentice QS Review

I work as a Apprentice Quantity Surveyor on a London based New Build Residential/ Commercial split Project for a Housing Association. The day to day duties of my role consists of sitting in meetings with the operations team to get a better understanding of how construction works on a day to day basis, issuing instructions, carrying out measurements on site to check works and in order to get accurate pricing back from sub contractors as and when required.

I believe that I have learnt many new skills including note taking, revision techniques and essay writing skills from my time spent at Southbank University. From my job itself I have managed to enhance my communication skills as they are used on a daily basis when discussing issues with the internal site team, sub contractors and external parties such at local boroughs. My negotiation skills have also enhanced having to deal with quotes between various subcontractors.

I believe the programme is a great building block for applicants without experience within the construction sector as it gives a 360 overview of the process. Having the 20% off the job training means you are able to see different facets of the business and how they have an impact on the role of a surveyor. In terms of the degree course itself having done one already I found the initial year slightly mundane however looking into the future and further years it has got more and more interesting.

From a university perspective the course leaders run the course extremely well giving constant updates on course content, lectures, exam dates, expected exam results etc. however the administration team at the university during my initial year I found to be poor especially during the registration period which felt unorganised. From a company perspective I have constant support with a manager and a mentor giving me multiple contacts to speak to and in terms of the structure I have set tasks to achieve.

My employer is fully committed to me and the other Apprentices even during the COVID outbreak we were kept infromed when Furloughed and as respected members of the team were brought back to assist in a transition period. We have multiple points of contact at all levels within the organisation regularly speaking to superiors and regular reviews. I also get support in the form of a apprentice manager within the organisation as well as one within the university.

In terms of support I receive from my training provider when working towards my qualification, I believe it to be at a high level. We have constant access to the lecture notes on moodle meaning we can review comments, we also have further reading links etc and during the covid situation we have had lectures posted up with annotations and comments to ensure our lectures are able to get their points across in a detailed manner.

As per my previous answer I believe my initial year did not play a beneficial role in preparing for university or the role i play within my company. Since this initial year I can see how each individual module gives a better insight into construction and in some areas specifically surveying. There are times when aspects are not relevant to my type of surveying however I appreciate the course is for all Surveys not dedicated to a specific type.

With the hours working and spent at university it is hard to find time for extra curricular activities at work, however I am aware of the being present and thus feel that the company should retain a high ranking for this. The company has a walking team out of the head office swell as groups that socialise with quiz's, gym groups and also jogging and cycling clubs both in head office and some of the sites.

Yes

United Living is a great company with a great culture instilled from the top down offering constant support and guidance as-well as offering progression and the chances to take on new responsibilities and challenge yourself knowing you have someone you can talk to and that will offer support when necessary. There are great role models at all levels and you constantly learn new things. The head office has a great atmosphere and the site offices maintain the atmosphere and team spirit

When applying to United Living Group I would advise applicants to review and research the company itself. The application process had various interviews with various director contacts within the company, as well as a questionnaire, presentation and through tests during the assessment day. This was carried out after passing the initial telephone interview where good communication skills were critical in enabling me to get our points across. There is no specific person the company is looking for.