Trainee Quantity Surveyor Review

My job title now i have completed the 2 year Level 3 Apprenticeship is a Trainee Quantity Surveyor. I have spent the first 2 years on South London Mail Centre Site, Vauxhall, which was firstly a demolition and remediation site and is now an infrastructure and road works site. From coming straight out of school, not knowing anything about the industry, I am now given significant responsibility on site from paying subcontracts to tracking the project progress. In terms of specific tasks that I carry out on a daily basis, I look after the majority of the subcontract packages on my site in South London. These include labour suppliers, plant suppliers, geotechnical testing subcontractors and a few others. To link with payments I have to use ACD to review the hours of plant and labour on site. Furthermore, if there are ever disputes in these accounts, I am part of the resolution process. I have gone through the process of setting up and closing down subcontract accounts many times. This includes SCF08 enquiry forms, SCF02 new vendor request forms, SCF04 order set up forms, SCF10 and SCF11 feedback forms and final account statements. In addition to this, I log change management on the NCR register and spend time working out the financial and time cost of the delay. On a weekly basis I update the RFM comparing our forecast costs and planned activity progress and actual costs and activity progress. I also update the spreadsheet every time the quarterly forecast changes. As part of the weekly tracking I also have a report running that monitors the quantity and cost of labour and plant on site. I am constantly updating the PMI/PMN/CE/NCE tracker so that any changes to the works or costs are logged. This tracker is discussed and edited weekly in our PMI tracker meetings. I have also recently produced a Compensation Event quotation which was out of my comfort zone but I really enjoyed the challenge of learning this new complex task. On a general level, I do site walks and safety tours regularly and I am extending my wider knowledge by getting the Engineers to teach me about surveying. I am part of two different Beyond Zero teams (London Business Unit Beyond Zero Leadership Team and the Stephenson’s College Leadership Team) and have just started the new Reverse Mentoring scheme through which I am paired with [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], Executive Director of Finance.

Throughout the 2 years of the BAM Nuttall Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme Level 3 I have been working to gain a BTEC Level 3 in Construction and the Built Environment as well as an NVQ Level 3 in Contracting Construction Operations. As well as the above formal qualifications, I have also gained knowledge and skills through training courses. The first course I attended was on my second day and was an Asbestos Awareness course. Right from the start of my site placements I have been completing different courses including site risk awareness, fire extinguisher training, online commercial courses, health and safety courses, BIM awareness and environmental training to name a few. Even though I have been on only on one site throughout my 2 years with BAM Nuttall i have been on a number of site visits including to Tottenham Court Road, Tower Bridge and Heathrow. These visits have been a good way for me to see the different work that BAM Nuttall carry out.

I really enjoy the programme that I am part of with BAM Nuttall as I have been able to meet some lovely people. We work very well as a team on site and enjoy making success together. Although the work can be challenging and stressful at times, I have really liked learning new things and am looking forward to continuing my learning through my career. The BAM Nuttall apprenticeship programme has exceeded my expectations in that BAM Nuttall is a very warm company to work for with good support networks and organised programmes.

I definitely feel valued by BAM Nuttall as there is internal and external recognition for my work. Internally, I have been lucky enough to be involved with many BAM Nuttall schemes including Beyond Zero, Reverse Mentoring and Bring Your Daughter to Work Day which are all very rewarding. I was also put forward for the WISE One To Watch award which is to celebrate girls in male dominated industries. My line manager on site offers plenty of support and pushes me to gain the most from my time on site. As a team we are also rewarded for our work when specific achievements are reached. Finally, I feel valued because as I have gone through my apprenticeship I have been given more and more responsibility. This is a good way to show appreciation as I can see how far I have come.

When I first arrived on site, I received an induction and training within my first week and a site tour to understand the specific risks to my site. I receive visits from my apprentice support team who review my progress and make sure I have everything I need. I also complete personal development reviews on site which enables my line manager and mentor to tract my progress. On a daily basis we review our work schedules to ensure are not overloaded with work and I am easily able to delegate work to others if I feel under pressure.

Whilst at college studying for our qualifications, we have constant communication with our tutors if we need it. In relation to guidance with problems, apprentice advisors often pop into the college weekly to ensure all our questions are answered. If they are urgent queries, the advisors are just a phone call away.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have always been able to go to my manager or HR with any problems I have. There is a general positive attitude towards helping employees in BAM Nuttall and this creates a family like atmosphere. Problems are dealt with discreetly. As part of the reverse mentoring scheme I am able to report feedback on all different topics within the company which is a great way to be constantly improving the company.

As an apprentice the wage is reflective of the role and the experience you have however, payments towards travel costs are extremely generous. Living away allowance is available and events and bonuses are given. Annually, the BAM Nuttall Christmas party is a spectacular event fully paid for which is a great reward for working hard. As part of this industry you can expect to live away from home as you go where the work is however BAM Nuttall have always tried hard to keep people close to home.

BAM Nuttall offers many company and external events to attend throughout the year including the Christmas party mentioned above. All the events I have attended have been a great way for me to network with my fellow employees and make new friends. I have also been involved in a few external events which are a great way to network with other organisations. For example I was able to meet many inspirational girls in different male dominated industries that are becoming extremely successful at the WISE Awards.

Yes

I would recommend BAM Nuttall as they have done nothing but good for my career. They have offered support and guidance so I can gain the suitable qualifications and site experience. The BAM Nuttall Apprenticeship Programme has set me up for a long future in the Civil Engineering industry giving me so much experience and connections.

I would say be honest and be yourself. Show BAM Nuttall that you are focused and driven. I would also say to engaging and show lots of interest by asking many questions at the assessment days as that is how you get the most out of the days. Coming straight from school at 16 shows that you don't need to have lists of experience but you have to show you are willing to work hard to gain experience with BAM Nuttall.