Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

At present I'm in the commercial buildings team which covers any building TfL own or have a long term lease on which can be anything from stations to offices to Power Stations. I specifically deal with urgent works relating to fire where I liaise with the contractor get the works quoted & sorted in a quick timeframe as it impacts safety if it isn't.

I've massively improved on my excel skills as well as my professional manner with clients, this placement also lets me use my problem solving skills when a problem arises so that TfL gets value for money, the safety of staff/customers isn't at risk & the works are done quickly

I enjoy my programme as over the 5 years it takes I will do seven different placements across the business & TfL do much more than just run the London Underground so I can find what I enjoy and when I finish the scheme hopefully work in that department & further myself.

TfL & it's predecessors have run an apprenticeship scheme in some shape or form for over 50 years so it's very well run. There is a wide choice of placements to choose from & there's lot's of other apprentices. It runs like a well oiled machine very smoothly.

There is a lot of support available with different members of staff who are there to help with your development & they genuinely care about how you progress through the business. Your colleagues also want to offer support as well & there is a lot of help within the business. TfL are understanding & will help you as they can.

My learning Provider provides you with an Academic Coordinator who is hired to look after us & answers quickly with anything you ask, we also have meetings with her every quarter in person to go over progress, there is also the tutors who are always willing to help even when they are not working which is awesome.

I will eventually get MRICS certified which is recognised worldwide & shows that I can carry out what I do to a very high standard & will last me for life. As well as that I'm learning useful techniques like estimating & cost planning which in the role of a QS is invaluable.

At TfL there are staff network groups for a variety of interests & beliefs. I myself volunteer at the London Transport Museum teaching young children Technology & engineering as other things through being a STEM ambassador. TfL have an internal group for apprentices who want to network through the business to try get yourself into a placement you are interested in.

Yes

It's a good company to work for with lots of help, they have a long history of hiring apprentices with TfL at present taking several hundred a year. The fact I can learn while earning & not pay a penny is a big bonus & TfL look after their staff well.

You don't need to know anything about London Transport or whatever scheme you're applying for to get the job. You just need to show that you're willing to learn & put the time & effort in as TfL are putting time, effort & money into your development. Also if you get any pre reading before an interview, read it.