Apprentice Building Surveyor Review

Apprentice Building surveyor. My daily tasks include administration such as the setting up of spreadsheets for valuations and assessments, writing reports or parts of reports for colleagues, talking to manufacturers and contractors regarding on going projects and actually visiting sites for monitoring or building surveys. I interact with my team as well as others in building consultancy as well as admin teams and valuations teams. Externally I meet occupiers of commercial and residential property, and also contractors and manufacturers. My responsibilities tend to differ from day to day as I move between different projects but include accurate note taking and measurements for surveys in accordance with RICS guidelines. I have worked on several projects and some ongoing, currently development monitoring of a large residential scheme in Bath and previously defect analysis and project monitoring of a high rise apartment building in Westbourne. Every day or almost everyday comprises of correspondence and attending meetings and writing reports.

I am on the way to completing a level 3 BTEC in Construction and the Built Environment as well as an NVQ. Internally I attend CPD sessions to learn more about specific areas of the related job sector and there is plenty of internal courses on offer throughout the year which are covered by the company. The BTEC I am studying currently is giving me a satisfactory basis of knowledge to enter the industry with and I am learning much on the job. The skill that I have improved most since starting has been communication which is integral to the surveying industry. As well as this technical knowledge of construction and property law as well as construction techniques and the differences in construction of properties from different time periods are all slowly being picked up when I'm on site or in meetings with colleagues.

The work is enjoyable it is a good mix of desk work, visiting sites and talking to many people day in and day out. As I learn more about the industry as well as the technical side of things I will enjoy it more as I will have more confidence in what I am talking about and what tasks and can complete to a good level for the team.

My manager and team always appreciate any help I can offer. Externally the view of apprentices is still somewhat undervalued I would say.

In terms of training it was fairly limited and I Learn most whilst on the job that being said my line manager and teammates do a good job of explaining certain concepts to me and allowing me to improve at each task I'm asked to complete.

My tutor is very helpful as are my classmates on the course. Currently I have had limited interaction with my NVQ assessor, however I am still early in the process and so I'm assured this will improve.

My manager and team are always very accommodating when I ask for help or support regarding work issues and I meet with my line manager and the apprentice manager monthly.

Travel costs are covered under expenses by JLL themselves which is excellent. Daily costs such as lunch can be covered by expenses when on site and social costs are easily covered even though I live in London.

Company events we have the usual mid year review and Christmas review and dinner. Throughout the year we several team building events. The location of the office in the heart of the West end is prime. The apprentice network has started between several companies with apprentices in similar roles and holds networking events with guest speakers. JLL offers discounts on clubs and gyms around London to accommodate commuters.

Yes

It is a friendly and modern environment to learn the tools of the trade first hand and gain valuable professional experience in the property industry.

Know about the company, it's history, what it does and what it's policies are. Know something about the industry that you're getting into before the interview and also investigate some of the people at the company including, if you can, your interviewer beforehand. In terms of the application try to connect or show the skills you have to skills that are needed for the job.