Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

As an apprentice quantity surveyor my main role is subcontract management, regularly communicating with the site team and subcontractors about current works and any variations, making payments, giving instructions and raising early warnings. I also have involvement in client communications including early warnings and change requests and/or making claims.

I have developed communication skills both verbally and through email as well as I.T skills having learnt how to use a variety of software to aid with processes. Through my learning provider I have learnt about the construction environment, drawings, contracts, measuring and many other general quantity surveying practices.

I hugely enjoy my program, whether that be in the office, in my classes or my early careers extra curricular program. I've had many opportunities to network and share my experiences to aid the company and my own learning. I have a great team and senior leaders around me.

The structure of the program is very well organized while simultaneously being flexible to allow me to benefit at the maximum capacity. I have enough time for each aspect of my apprenticeship while also being challenged to take as much opportunity as possible. We have 20% allocated learning, 20% allocated to off-the-job/ EC Scheme, and 60% learning in the office, which I feel is a great balance for an apprentice/graduate entering their first job or starting their career.

The support received at Balfour Beatty, from my personal experience, has been excellent. Everyone is allocated a line manager and often a mentor too. It is made clear who your early careers leader is and how to contact them if you have any concerns. We are encouraged to share our experience and be open about how we feel in our roles.

In my experience, my tutor provides fantastic support, often staying behind on lessons if anyone has queries, and being responsive on non-lesson days if I have ever reached out for advice or support in my learning. It can be a disadvantage having learning mostly based online however I have found no real concerns with that yet.

The topics I have covered so far on things like programs, drawings, schedules and project management have aided me in the workplace as I am developing an understanding of terminology and processes specific to the construction industry. By understanding why I do the things I do I can better spot any issues and quickly resolve any queries from either client or subcontractor.

There are many networking events, either required or voluntary. These range from 6-monthly commercial EC catch-ups in our head London office, to a Lake district team building trip with our cohorts from across the company. We also have two charity days per year which we can do as a team or alone.

Yes

I have already recommended Balfour Beatty to two people from my school who asked me how my apprenticeship was going. I have done so because of the development and enjoyment I have gained in the 6 months I have been here. There is opportunity to grow in your career at your own pace and have fun whilst doing so.

I would advise new applicants to be enthusiastic and open-minded about their apprenticeship journey. It's important to understand that, especially in Balfour Beatty, there are so many people in the same position as you and you have to do what you can to stand out and show willingness. Ask any question that pops into your head and don't be worried about how silly it sounds- everyone knows what it feels like to be in your shoes and it is very rare to come across someone who isn't understanding!