Quantity Surveying Degree Apprentice Review

As an apprentice at Mott MacDonald, you rotate into different teams to gain a wide variety of experience. I have been part of the estimating team, where my role was to measure drawings and create cost plans. I am currently working in cost engineering, where I deal with forecasted costs, budgeting, and spending among teams on a project.

Yes, I have learned many new skills including communication skills when liaising with different teams and people on a project. I have also developed management skills, as I need to manage my time and tasks effectively, and I have gained technical skills and knowledge relevant to the construction and surveying industry.

I enjoy the programme a lot. I think rotating into different teams is useful for career development and to meet new people in different roles and on different projects. Sometimes the tasks are boring, but they’ve got to get done. Other times, the tasks are enjoyable. It depends on the team and role.

The concept of the apprenticeship is clearly structured, however, the communication regarding the rotation scheme could be better, and decisions from higher up could also be more clearly communicated. Other than that, the balance between studying and working is well-structured, and the flexibility of the company and the apprenticeship is very useful.

I think the support received from the employer is good. I've always had a point of contact on every project I've been on who clearly explains things to me and is there for questions. I also have had positive relationships with all of my line managers, who offer to step in if needed and also offer to help with university. The apprentices in years above are also quite friendly and helpful.

Because the degree is fully online and there are generally only one or two module leaders for each module, there is a lack of one-to-one support from the university. It can be difficult to find a point of contact for subject-specific questions, as the module leaders and tutors sometimes don't answer questions directly. There is a forum to ask questions, but it is less personal and as mentioned before, sometimes difficult to get a direct answer.

Some modules are relevant to what I have done at work, while others are not. I think the relevant ones are beneficial and help with development. Although I understand that some modules are designed to support soft skills like essay writing and easing into the degree, I feel they could be more relevant or that the teaching resources could be more focused. The degree is needed to become chartered and qualified in the industry so is directly relevant to the role which is good.

In my experience, there aren't many social events to get involved in unless you or your team, or people you know, arrange them. Often, these events involve drinking, which is not very inclusive of those who don't drink. However, there are various networking opportunities that come up at work now and then, and there are informative webinars on different topics like International Women's Day, Black History Month, etc. and volunteering opportunities that arise, such as mentoring and career fairs, all of which are enjoyable.

Yes

Flexible working, nice colleagues for the most part, variety of projects and teams

Research the company and know the role you are applying for. Any thing you do outside of work including volunteering, extra-curricular activities, and jobs can be used in your application as long as you apply it to the role.