Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

I am a Apprentice Quantity Surveyor. I complete optioneering estimates on a weekly basic, and use excel every day. I work on a measuring software called BlueBeam. I am currently working on Infrastructure projects all over the UK and I am responsible for take off's and Bill of Quantities. I meet with clients and also network with different colleagues in the office everyday.

I have learnt almost everything from my colleagues and their best practice. I study one day a week with a day release to complete a distant learning course at the University College of Estate Management. I have the chance to go on Windows Office courses paid for by my employer and also work with senior and RICS accredited quantity surveyors. I have learnt how to take off and estimate small projects and I have also learnt how to remain professional and that confidentiality is a serious thing when working on large projects.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme and the team are incredibly welcoming. My colleagues are always willing to help and support me with projects and also with Uni work. The culture of Arup is that we are all one team and help and support people we work with everyday or not. Arup met my expectations of a consulting firm as they remain professional but also make it a fun enjoyable environment with good rewards.

I have monthly meetings with my line manager and also my apprenticeship coordinator at the university. I have feedback from every project I work on on what I did well and what I can take responsibility for next time. I have a big involvement within tasks where I am left to communicate and contact with external clients and also make my own decisions on the estimates that I produce.

My programme is incredibly well structured. Arup sent the Apprenticeships on half a weeks training and the chance to network with other apprenticeships across the UK. This also showed us what to expect from Arup and how we can excel in our careers. I am given a full day in the working week to complete my study which is given without question. My manager also knows when my results are out or when assignments are due so we can have a catch up session to ensure I am confident with my work. Even though I am an apprentice I am still given the chance to work with any colleagues and complete any type of project, there are no restrictions.

I receive a good amount of training from my University, I have a learning portal with weekly tasks which are well presented by the tutors. I enjoy my study day as it gives me chance to catch up with any assignments or start revision for exams. I have 10 week check ins with the University to track my progress.

Arup have given me huge amounts of support. They help with any questions or quires that I have. They have a real good attitude in pushing people further into their career and getting the best out of people and always like to see my progress.

My salary is very good for an apprentice and covers all my costs required. I have had a pay rise in line with the business profits and also receive a good bonus twice a year. Any business travel or accommodation is pre-paid by the company not leaving me out of pocket.

There are many company conference events that come across on email and are optional to attend which is good for experience and networking. Arup have a good charity base and work well with scouts and guides. Arup also have social events like sporting events and fun days. They also have lots of celebrations for mile stones in the business.

Yes

Arup is a friendly and reputable company to work for and really want each individual to do well. Arup work together and make you feel like part of the team.

The application process is all about you, be yourself and show a passion for wanting the job. Interviews are friendly and professional and want to make you work for Arup even more. The on-boarding process was fun as we had a meet and greet away for a few days with the rest of the UK which made you feel like you weren't the only one going through the nerves.