Trainee Quantity Surveyor Review

I am undertaking a Quantity Surveying apprenticeship which involves me getting involved in the commercial aspects of Civil engineering/construction. On a daily basis this means working with the site team to ensure that the costs and value are being monitored, the project is being paid for everything it is entitled to and any sub-contractors working for us are being paid. Over the first 2 and half years on the programme I have worked on 5 different projects with several 8-10 week college blocks.

Having completed my first 2 years I have gained a Level 3 qualification and have moved onto completing a HND over the final 2 years. Also, during my time with BAM I have attended various internal courses relating to my role which as helped me develop further. On top of that the programme has developed some of my person skills due to the change in environment from school and college. I have worked on very large projects working with a number of different people on a daily basis which has helped develop my ability to work as a team. Also, the programme has help me become more independent as I have lived away from home to meet the businesses needs and been given a lot of responsibility on the projects.

The programme is very enjoyable as you have the balance between working on site and college. I have been working in offices that are located on the site so meet different people from different roles on a daily basis so no day is usually the same. There is a very positive culture within the company as the company try and ensure that there is interaction between all job roles and no one is treated differently.

On all my projects so far I have been very involved in all the work and trusted to carry out tasks which are above the job role. Also, you regular speak or are visited by people very high up in the company which you wouldn't expect for a company so big.

During my first week at the company we were provided with an induction with outlined the structure of the programme, the people involved and who to contact for support. The periods at college and on site are well spread out so that you don't get involved in something before having to go back to college and not getting the full experience.

The training provider give on-going support during the programme with regular contact and site visits to check on progress and set targets.

Every year my line manager carries out a Personal development review to check on progress and set targets for the next year. On top of that there are regular meetings with my apprentice advisor and line manger to discuss any concerns I may have.

BAM is one of the higher paid apprenticeships that I've seen with pay increases as you progress. Travel expenses are paid for traveling to the workplace and back. When living away form home the living away allowance is adjusted based on the location e.g Working in London will receive a higher allowance.

Throughout the year there is always company social events, charity days or sporting activities to be involved in.

Yes

BAM provide a programme that allows you to experience the on-site training and also gaining qualification during college blocks. It offers a salary competitive to similar companies and will provide the on-going support to gain experience and training.

The job will likely involve living away from home at some point so must be prepared that that's part of the job before applying. If possible try to gain experience in the industry to gain an advantage over other applicants.