Trainee QS Review

As part of the project commercial team we are responsible for managing and reporting the costs of a project. These costs include subcontractors, materials, plant, direct labour and prelims. As well as that, you liaise with the onsite operational team, to ensure that the programme dates are hit to avoid damages.

One of the main skills I have been able to develop at Laing O'Rourke is people management and communication, whether this be through email, over the phone or face to face in meetings. You will meet different personalities and you learn how to deal with them. Furthermore I have improved my organisation and working to deadlines.

I have found the programme quite an easy transition straight from school due to having people of a similar age in your cohort who you can relate to and also by the way the programme is set up, there is a large number of modules which you go on in order to improve your experience.

Since joining the business, I have never felt that people look down on me internally because of my age. You receive internal praise from the project team and your line manager during reviews, but also areas that can be improved and how. As long as your put hard work in you will be valued

The programme is well organised in regards to modules and training courses that you go on. It also gives you a chance to catch up with people in your cohort from around the UK. There is always someone to offer advice if you need it and lot's of opportunities available.

As part of the programme I attend university for 1 day a week. Due to the lack of universities offering a part time course, I have found that university is the one aspect of the programme which is a let down, through not fault of Laing O'Rourke. The teaching is generally poor and the organisation of the university is bad.

There is loads of people within Laing O'Rourke who are willing to help you out. Even though I am part of the commercial department, others departments are more than happy to help out as they understand you are just starting out in your career, and they were in your shoes once.

The salary in the 1st year was quite low, however your travel costs to work (if you're on a project) are all paid for so this was fine. There are pay rises every year within the programme, with the option of a car allowance or company car at the end of year 3.

Laing O'Rourke have started hosting there Xmas party again, which last year was really good. There are also various events throughout the year such as a Tag rugby tournament which was a good laugh and let you meet people from around the UK in a social environment

Yes

The chance to have a degree paid for by the company whilst also getting to learn on some of the biggest projects in the UK means that you can get an early start in your career, and there is plenty of opportunities within the business

Make sure you research the company beforehand and try and arrange work experience on a project to see whether you will like it before hand. Make sure you ask the people taking an interviews questions as you will always get an honest answer