Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

by Balfour Beatty

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am an apprentice Quantity Surveyor, currently working on subcontractor management. I am within the commercial team, assessing how much we need to pay them and ensuring the contract is administrated correctly.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Improved use of excel, understand and the ability to administrate a contract, improved communication and presentation skills.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the responsibility which is given to my, it is also great to look back at when I started and see how far i have come from knowing nothing to having large amounts of independence and trust put into me. It can be stressful managing workload with university.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very well organised, other staff are aware when I am at university. There are a lot of other apprentices who I can learn from and ask questions, which is helpful as they are in the same situation. Some areas of the university course can feel a bit unorganised.

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

A lot, any issues or problems I have raised have been dealt with well to make the experience as enjoyable as it can be. Offer a lot of additional learning opportunities as well.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The course is fairly well structured and offer enough time for modules to be complete. Some issues with reply times to emails, as well as some quality of lecturers. When you do talk to anyone in person they are always very helpful and supportive and try to resolve your issues.

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

As a Quantity surveyor a lot of my learning is commercial, where as the course is heavily geared towards the technical elements of the works. It is good to learn however is not always applicable day to day. Often the assignments with only give you the opportunity to talk about 1/2 elements so many of the lectures can feel not relevant when you begin writing the assignment.

6/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes, there is opportunities for sports and some clubs at lunch. Organised networking events also happen.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I have felt I have been challenged but also have the support if I feel I am beginning to struggle. I feel there are opportunities within the company and chances for me to progress. It is an enjoyable environment to work in.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?

Do some research into the role and organisation, understand the responsibility and extent of what you are applying for.