Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

In my role as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, when I am based on site my role is to offer support to the Quantity Surveyor's by helping out with paying sub-contractors, pricing up different aspects of the project and a whole load of other tasks. During the block release at college I work on different subjects on a day to day basis and work towards completing assignments in each of these subjects.

I have learnt a whole range of new skills during my period as an apprentice for BAM Nuttall. During college I gained a basic understanding of the different aspects of my job however when gaining site experience and actually carrying out your job, your range of knowledge comes on leaps and bounds and helps to give you a much better understanding of what is required in your job.

The programme that I am currently enrolled on has exceeded my expectations. All aspects of the programme are far better than I could have ever imagined and its fair to say that I am loving every minute of the programme. The work is enjoyable and I am constantly learning new things and it is made much more enjoyable by the great staff that I work with.

I feel vary valued within the company whether that be when at college or on site. My work colleagues are always interacting with me and don't disregard me due to the fact that I am only an apprentice. Everybody is more than happy for me to get involved in different tasks and projects and those higher up the ladder within the company treat you no differently to anybody else.

The programme is very well structured with a clear plan of how you are going to progress within the company. The programme is structured so that you get plenty of experience on your site placements and also have enough time to get all of your assignments done at college to help you achieve the required grades for your ongoing qualifications.

The training provider for my apprenticeship is the Leeds College of Building. All of the tutors who i have come into contact with for the duration of my course have been great and are always happy to help you with both your college work and with anything else that you require assistance with. They are all approachable and give you all the help required to help you achieve the grades you deserve.

BAM are a great company in terms of offering apprentices and all other staff support. All of my colleagues are more than happy to offer me support as they know that as an apprentice I aren't going to know everything so the support network within the company is brilliant in helping apprentices to get to grips with the industry. BAM not only offers support with work related issues but also with personal issues and many great events such as Time to Talk Day take place within the company to show the employees that there is a support network there for employees if anybody is struggling.

The salary package on offer for BAM apprenticeships is exceptional. When at college our accommodation is sorted for us and the accommodation is up to the required standard for living away. Train tickets are bought through the company so it doesn't cost you anything when travelling home from college on a weekend. Whilst working on site I have been luckily enough to be based at home and all of my travel costs to and from work are covered at a rate of 20p per mile , which is enough to cover my costs of getting to work every week.

From my own experience I definitely think that there are opportunities for BAM employees outside of work. For example in apprenticeship week I am going to do a talk on apprenticeships at my old school and many other apprentices are doing similar things. When at college with everybody living together away form home we all played football once a week as well as other activities to help build relationships.

Yes

I would definitely recommend BAM due to a number of different reasons. There are many benefits of working for BAM ranging from being involved in interesting and exciting projects to making friends for life through work. There are plenty of opportunities for apprentices within the company and if you put the work in you will progress with the company and get just rewards for your hard work and dedication.

My advice for other people applying for BAM would be to make sure you do your research on both the company and the industry and be sure that this is the career path that you want to go down. For the interview my advice would be to be confident and be keen, making sure that you ask plenty of questions especially if you are unsure on anything.