Quantity Surveyor Review

As a quantity surveyor I have to manage the finances associated with the project that I am working on. Some of my day to day tasks include assessing payment applications, writing out instructions to sub-contractors and spreading money in the cashflow. The role involves looking at drawings and comparing them to what is the trade contract.

I am become much more confident using different complex formulas in excel to present data more elegantly. As well as this, I have learnt what cashflow is, the importance of it and how to spread costs across the year so the client can see forecasts of monthly outgoings. This is something I have thoroughly enjoyed.

I am thoroughly enjoying the programme that I am on currently. It can be difficult to time manage both the university work and actual work, however as time goes on it is something that I am getting better at. This is an essential skill to have throughout my career so it is ideal I am learning it now.

The course that I am currently on is very well structured in my opinion. I like the learning style. All of the work is done online which suits me because it means I can study anywhere at anytime. I like the combination of webinars and doing my own learning through reading the materials that the university provides.

I receive a good amount of support from my employer. There are lots of very intelligent and experienced individuals that work on the site I am based which means I have a wealth on knowledge at my fingertips if I need it. I believe that this is what makes an apprenticeship so much better than just going to university because you get that hands on knowledge and experience you wouldn't otherwise get.

I receive a good amount of support from UCEM. They provide webinars each week where lecturers go through the content. There is also the textbook which I prefer because you can make notes from this which will ultimately help when it comes to exams and writing assignments. As well as this, there are quiz's at the end of each week which helps to identify anything that you may have missed when going through that weeks materials.

So far, as I am only 5 months into the course, I haven't found what I have been learning too relevant as of yet to what I am doing in my actual job. However, when I start my next few modules these will be more directly applicable in my day to day work.

As far as I am aware there aren't many extra-curricular activities. Occasionally there are social events such as celebrating the completion of one of the blocks on the project. It would be nice to get extra social activities going at Sisk as I feel this would create more group cohesion. There isn't too much talking at work as everyone is busy doing there own stuff; the odd 'after-work drinks' may loosen people up to build up more repour.

Yes

I would recommend John Sisk & Sons because it is a very friendly organisation. I have always felt welcomed and now after being here for a few months, I now feel that I am part of the team. Have friendly people around you, who are also professionals is good for apprentice because you have all the support you could ask for and it isn't intimidating to ask for it.

If you are applying for an apprenticeship at John Sisk & Sons, I would recommend you do your research before going into the interview as you should for any company; you'd be surprised how many people don't. Make sure you understand fully what the role of the quantity surveyor is and why it suits you. That is what they are looking for in the interview. Someone who knows what the job is and why they want it, why they would be good at it.