Assistant Quantity Surveyor Review

Working o the REAL Alliance, ECML PSU. Tasks include: management of the subcontract processes, payments, payment notices, order uplifts, plant/ material requisitions, assisting in the production of applications for payments and commercial reports, attending internal and Alliance contract reviews, assisting the Central Alliance Commercial Function in regards to change and EWNs, ALT people prelim reviews and any other tasks required for Senior QS/ Commercial Manager.

Practical skills of a Quantity Surveyor, enhanced my time-management and communication skills. The experience has also helped me develop both professionally and personally.

I have really enjoyed my experience working at VolkerRail, within VolkerWessels with new tasks and responsibilities being introduced allowing me to continue developing in the work place. On the studies side I think that there is a lot of work to do with universities to ensure that the course is appropriate for the modern working world as elements of the course seem dated and not so relevant.

VolkerRail within VolkerWessels having been nothing but accommodating to fit my study needs. I feel that again the university side of the programme is not so organised with announcement being made very late with the structure of sessions changing each semester meaning that my arrangement with work has to change.

My employer has been excellent in supporting my studies and allowing me gain experience with many different people, different environments and on different tasks which have therefore helped me in my studies. They have also always offered support around deadlines for assignments or exams.

I have found the support from Northumbria University quite disappointing as when i have raised any issues they have either taken a long time to be resolved, not been resolved or most likely to be 'passed' on to different department of the university in order to get an answer.

As mentioned earlier there are some elements of the course which have helped my understanding on topics relating to my role, however, there are many elements of the course which seem 'out-dated' and not relevant to my role.

There are many opportunities for social activities and social networking events, both as part of the REAL Alliance and VolkerRail/ VolkerWessels.

Yes

From the very start I have felt welcome and part of the team, but also motivated to develop within VolkerWessels with many opportunities being offered to me to take more ownership of tasks and gaining more responsibility. Therefore, I would always recommend and encoarage VolkerRail/ VolklerWessels.

I would advise others to get in touch by any means and as soon as possible, rather than waiting for any vacancies to appear.