Junior Quantity Surveyor Review

I am currently a Junior Quantity Surveyor working within the Commercial team on a London Underground project at TfL. I work closely with the Project Manager to ensure effective cost and commercial management as the project is being delivered. Some of my daily tasks include assessing applications for payment, entitlement and quantification of variations, and managing the close out process for subcontracts.

Yes. I have gained a L3 NVQ in 'Surveying, Property and Maintenance'; BTEC in 'Construction Technology and the Built Environment'; Associate membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors; and am currently studying part-time towards a degree. Aside from the qualifications I have achieved, TfL have supplemented my learning with various training courses which have developed my core QS competencies, such as related to Health and Safety and Contract Practice. I developed my communication skills holistically and ultimately my confidence and self-belief.

I am thoroughly enjoying my programme. I have received so much ongoing support from my team, programme sponsor, and mentors. TfL has given me a fantastic welcome to the construction industry and world of work which exceeded all expectations.

Definitely. I have been recognised up to senior and director levels for my hard work on the programme, particularly after having won awards from my training provider. I have also been given opportunities to get involved in wider TfL strategies, such as the Apprenticeship Benchmarking Study, which has made me feel integrated and a part of the overall TfL missions.

My programme has generally been well organised. From week 1, I knew what I had to look forward to over the 5 year course of the programme, which has kept me engaged and motivated. Though, our programme has faced changes whilst I've been on it, from the introduction of the trailblazer and transition to standards, so there have been times where I felt uncertain about the next steps. Nonetheless, my TfL sponsor kept me in the loop as much as he could on any updates he received during this period.

During the first two years of the programme, the training provider was more active and visible with providing support to its apprentices, holding 12-weekly reviews to check how we were progressing at work and college. This level of support reduced as we matured through the programme, particularly since we started University in year 3 of the 5 year course. Though, this has been ideal as in the first years we needed greater assistance with transitioning into the working world whilst studying, and getting used to the intensity of the programme.

I receive ample support from my employer. There is a wealth of people around that you can go to for any problem, from personal to technical issues which you need help with. I generally feel comfortable approaching my colleagues for help as they've been very welcoming and encouraging in the past.

It's reasonable. Though with housing prices going up and it being harder to save up for a deposit for your first home, I could do with an increase!

There are a load of seminars that external companies hold which colleagues have brought to my attention and encouraged I attend. These help with keeping up-to-date on industry news and the latest advancements in the profession.

Yes

Because of the amount of support you receive, the opportunities for progression, and the exciting projects you can be a part of.

Take care when considering the wealth of schemes TfL have available to you, as you can only apply to one per year. Once you've decided which scheme you wish to go for, put your all into that application as getting on the programme will be one of the smartest decisions you'll ever make!