Quantity Surveying Apprentice Review

I am a Quantity Surveying apprentice, currently working on the docklands light railway rolling stock replacement team. This is a procurement based role, similar to the previous placement I was working in with transport for London. My first role was working with a procurement team looking after buildings and station infrastructure, so I've moved between two very different areas of the business, something which makes the transport for London apprenticeship stand out for me.

As part of the apprenticeship I am currently taking a surveying technician diploma, this is teaching me the fundamentals of the construction industry. In my first year I will study Construction technology, Law and Sustainability. Three subjects very useful for work today. Working part of a large team has enabled me to improve my communication skills, along with confidence, both skills which are extremely valuable and essential to almost any career.

I am enjoying this apprenticeship to a very large extent, the work I do is interesting and exciting, providing a real sense that I am actually making a difference to London. The team I work with are very supportive and the different levels of support available to me are also amazing.

I feel extremely valued by transport for London, receiving recognition from my managers shows that the work I do is appreciated and does make a real difference to the business. I also think the large amount of benefits we receive as a transport for London apprentice show just how well we are appreciated.

When starting as an apprentice at transport for London you are introduced to the company as a whole, informing you of everything the company do, providing a clear welcome to the business. The college course is relatively well structured with workshops where we meet with lecturers and have the opportunity to ask any questions about assignments every 5 weeks. I have a large support network who I can contact if I have any issues or queries, and they are always very quick and willing to help out.

Our training is provided via an online portal with face to face workshops every 5 weeks, tutors are however always available via instant messaging in the portal and will even call you if you need something explaining. I also have a coordinator who regularly checks in with me to make sure things are going well and I have no concerns, something I personally find very useful.

If I have any questions or issues, my manager is always there to help and find out answers to any issues I might have. We have a placement manager to go to in the first instance, then my line manager if my placement manager is not able to sort anything. I also have one day out of the office every week in order to study, something I find very useful to ensure I can stay on top of the course.

The salary and benefits transport for London are the best I found anywhere when looking for apprenticeships, living outside of London I am able to get discounted travel into London, along with free travel within transport for London's network. All costs are covered and I don't think I saw another apprenticeship with the same salary and benefits.

Outside of work transport for London host lots of different event which have allowed me to network with people from other areas of the business, something I have found very useful for supporting my development. Transport for London also offer great discounts as part of their rewards packages for leisure, fitness.

Yes

I have learnt so much from the start of my apprenticeship and I will learn so much more as I get further in, this has definitely been the best way to get into a career, gaining valuable experience in a role and without the debt of going to University.

I would say be yourself in interview, they want to see the real you, make sure you answer questions with as much detail as you can, even if you think its irrelevant. Make sure you study any pre reading material before you attend the interview, it will really help you out!