Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

I'm a 2nd Year apprentice Quantity surveyor, I've worked on the Northern Hub in Manchester and I'm currently working on the Merseytravel DCC project in Liverpool. My daily tasks do vary and I rarely do the same task day in day out which is good as it adds variety. Some of my tasks and interactions both internal and external include: Responding to emails in a timely manner, liaising with the engineering team and other commercial team, raising subcontract orders, liaising with subcontractors and suppliers, going out to different companies to see if they will tender for a certain package of works - This involves speaking to them both in emails and phone conversations. I also work with the assessed costs database (ACD), do the payment run, doing take offs and many other different tasks. My responsibilities include making sure I go out to the right people regarding procuring package of works as well as managing what I receive, liaising with the right people and filling out the right documents such as a tender assessment report. I also do the payment run for subcontractors and manage subcontractors.

I've been on a few training courses which involved health and safety, the NEC contract as well as doing my fire marshal training. This was all in-house training but I've also had ICI (Industry Common Induction) training which was done externally. Qualification wise, I received my fire marshal certificate, I will receive a certificate at the end of the year for my level 3 BTEC that I've done. Throughout the duration of my apprenticeship I have developed new skills such as negotiation, resolving disputes and financial management as well as improved existing ones such as time keeping, communication, confidence and business administration. Over the past 17 months I have learnt a lot about the construction industry - particularly in rail and how projects are infrastructure are built as well as learning about the project I'm on, shadowing other QSs in how they do their job as well as doing the same with the engineering team. The college blocks have helped gain some of this knowledge and it's good to use that knowledge on site.

I enjoy working alongside professionals seeing what tasks they do, how they do it and advise based on their experience. I learn a lot more being exposed to different professionals in the open plan office as I get to hear them discuss the job and how they deal with issues that arise. Everyone is willing to help anyone should you need help. This is enhanced by the culture of BAM Nuttall and the "don't walk by" attitude. It has definitely met my expectations and improved them and I am so far enjoying it very much.

I am heavily involved in a wide range of tasks to do with the project and fee that I am valued as the other QS's are giving me more responsibilities and more different tasks to do. I have received external recognition for my work completed in college and from some suppliers. Also, my manager and anyone else that feels I'm doing a good job does tell me if I'm doing a good job which is good as it makes me feel valued by the whole team.

The induction was given on the first day of going to site which was good. Also, there is a wide range of different training opportunities which I do attend. The support is great on site and is good at the college blocks. I attend the weekly progress meeting and input what is required. I am delegated tasks efficiently and the hierarchy is clear and defined. I think that the programme is organised well.

The college tutors provide a good level of support and can advise on any problems that occur. Generally, the tutors are happy to help support you if you have a query or are struggling with a particular assignment or task. They offer good guidance and patience which helps me with trying to learn and understand the query. Overall, I think that the level of support is good and I do enjoy it.

My manager and supervisor both support me very well on site. It's important to learn as much as I can from them and gain valued experience. The HR team are always there should I need to contact them. If there are any problems that occur, it's good that I can count on a lot of different professionals and experience to provide a wide range of expertise to help solve the problem. I have found on site that everyone is willing to help you should you have any queries or require further explanation on something.

As an apprentice it's understandable that the salary is reduced compared to not being an apprentice. However, this is still sufficient and is a good apprentice salary compared to other apprenticeships. Also, considering the fact that BAM are paying for my in house training and education as well as learning and earning at the same time and from different people. However, if I had to say something negative it would be the money we get for living away is a little low (Due to TAX) as it's quite expensive living away from home.

Occasionally, there will be the odd company activity such as going out to the pub or a meal out which is good as you get to know your colleagues better than just in work. This is generally location dependant of where your site is. Outside of work, I personally don't do too much as I either haven't got time or am too tired. I tend to just relax watching TV, playing computer games or going for a walk.

Yes

I can tell from working with BAM Nuttall for the past 17 months that they look after their employees and have a good work and culture ethic. The implementation of "Don't Walk By" is good as it improves the health and safety and gets people to look out for one another. Also, there are plenty of career prospects within BAM because the company is so big.

Answer the applications question thoroughly and to the best of your ability. Try and be calm, confident and focused when going for interviews or assessment days and always try your hardest and tell the truth. If you've got experience then use that experience within the workplace and interviews. Opportunities will always be available. I would've liked to been told what future career prospects there are in the job as well as what it's like to work in each of the different sectors.