Trainee Quantity Surveyor Review

I take part in assisting the surveyors in managing the financial orders of each subcontractor on our construction sites. This includes looking over each element of their order and what they can and cannot claim expenses for. For example, in some circumstances a subcontractor can try to claim more expenses than they are actually entitled to.

Due to having to keep an eye on accounts and orders, I am able to not only keep my mental mathematics at a high quality but also work on my attention to detail. By working closely with subcontractors on a daily basis, it has enabled me to develop my personal skills.

I enjoy my programme as it is so versatile. In just one day, I can be raising an order on our expense system to having a meeting with a subcontractor to having a site walk in order to get a progress update. However, I do only enjoy the programme to an extent as I find myself sometimes left to my own devices meaning I do not actually have a task to complete.

I would say that my programme is not as organised as it could be. When i first applied to the programme, I was under the impression that I would be attending a college in person. However, I then found out after I had been accepted that this would taking place online. Furthermore, there was no real set work for me once I came to my office and I often find myself with nothing to do.

I receive lots of support from my employer. I am provided with flexible hours and a happy place to work. I am provided with all expenses paid trips when I have to visit seminars or sessions for college and can take some time to step away from wand complete assignments when necessary.

I do not receive lots of support from my training provider. I receive lots of assignments yet I am only provided with a virtual lesson one day a week in which there is limited time to ask questions about assignments as we are now covering new content compared to the week before.

My qualification does help me a lot to perform better in my role as it allows me to gain the knowledge I require to work in this industry. My industry is house building and I am being taught how to build a house therefore it allows me to understand the thought processes of my colleagues.

There are no extra-curricular activities to get involved in at my work; we do not have any things such as sports teams. In terms of professional networking events, the only chance I have had to do this is during my block release session for my programme in which I can talk to my peers.

Yes

Countryside is happy and friendly place to work. They provide flexible hours, modern offices and lots of benefits. Furthermore, it is a very easy place to communicate. All line managers are approachable and accommodating. For example, even my managing director offered me support during the time in which my line manager was being replaced.

The main piece of advise I would give to to research the day to day task of a person in the role you are applying for. Therefore, if you are accepted, once you have started you can have many questions to ask, become involved in the team sooner in to your programme.