Trainee Quantity Surveyor Review

In my day to day role in my workplace I manage subcontractor packages undertaking monthly valuations, monitoring change, reporting monthly and producing cash flow. I produce measurements of the completed works each month to show progress but also help with valuations. I interact with both the operational and commercial team in order to be exposed to all information required.

I have development my measurement skills using a scale ruler and also using the standard rule of measure to ensure take offs are readable by all since it is a standard form across the industry. I have also developed my communication skills both orally and through letter/email writing to both subcontractors and members of my team.

I enjoy the work place I am as it makes me feel welcomed and comfortable. The team I am surrounded by are helpful when time is available. The business itself is a very welcoming business and are always finding ways to improve and ask the employees for their input. Work load is well maintained and the option to speak up if things are getting too tough or you are out of your depth is encouraged.

The training provider is an online university. This has proven to be difficult since you cannot make any strong connections with the tutors and other peers undertaking the same university course, although, in person workshops occur twice a year to make some connection with others in the same boat. The company ensure you are given day release to complete the weekly work set by the university, however the content they provide to be completed each week is intense. UCEM provide quarterly meetings with the apprentice and the current line manager to support the development and it opens up opportunity to ask questions you haven't had the change to over the online course.

Sisk could provide additional training alongside our degree training provided by UCEM as there are elements of the job, as an apprentice, you don't know you need to cover. Guidelines as to what we should achieve or have touched upon in the workplace over the 4/5 year apprenticeship would be useful as a tick box exercise and to bring along to each project for the next line manager to review. Further guidance could be given to line managers of the apprentices to ensure they understand what they are doing at university and how the day to day activities can best benefit them and also have an understanding of what happens on completion of the degree.

The tutors at UCEM are hard to connect with since any communication is done virtually or via email where communication can easily get lost or misunderstood. Support is available via student central and through contacting our apprenticeship outcomes office (AOO) throughout the degree and in the quarterly review. The University are willing to support where they can and have a variety of different student support systems including mental health support.

In more recent years and the higher level modules I have found that they have provided me with knowledge that I have been able to apply and better understand my day to day job and has clarified areas of my work that I once lacked knowledge and struggled to understand.

Social events while working on site a regularly organized such as drinks/dinner after work. Sisk also provide a yearly ball for all to attend with partners to socialize informally and get to know more about your colleges away from a work place. Since COVID-19 Sisk have maintained social activities as much as possible by arranging weekly virtual quiz nights and bingo!

Yes

I would recommend John Sisk to a friend since they are a very supporting business as a whole and there are many opportunities to socialise outside of work to build good relationships with you colleges. Sisk are encouraging more youth in the business and understand its importance. As a female joining a male dominate industry I have felt welcomed and well looked after by John Sisk.

When applying to John Sisk I would advise people to be themselves. The work environment is usually not too tense with a good atmosphere and team of people who are very involving. Joining as an apprentice opens you up to a lot of experience at a young age allowing you to progress quickly and at your own pace.