Trainee Quantity Surveyor Review

I am fully immersed in the job role of a Quantity Surveyor on a live building site where I am in regular correspondence with engineers, design team, site managers, project managers and a variety of trades. I am part of the team in which I am doing real work and contributing to the project. I look after a variety of sub-contractor packages where I review payment applications and progress of contracted work along with any variations to the contract.

Being on a live building site has allowed me to have an ever-growing knowledge of the construction industry as a whole. Talking and being on site with with site managers has improved my technical building knowledge and being involved with the commercial team and allowed my knowledge of contracts, sub-contractors and the processes of building work to grow.

I think the apprenticeship programme is a great way to become a competent Quantity Surveyor. The on the job training is something you wouldn't be able to experience when gaining a degree through the conventional university route. I am enjoying the programme and the fact that I am training on the job makes learning easier and being able to ask colleagues for help with university work is a real advantage.

The programme is quite well structured however I have found that some of my modules do overlap when it comes to deadlines/hand in dates which makes working on numerous assignments/revision for an exam a challenge and may result in lower grades. I think this aspect of the course could be better organised. In addition, I feel the exam centers for students need to be better organised, especially in London where there doesn't seem to be many, resulting in long commutes.

My employer/colleagues have been good to me and help out when I need assistance. I would say that maybe there should be something in place for all apprentices, new or old, to meet and discuss the course or work regularly. All in all I really enjoy working for my employer and would recommend them.

My training provider provides good support though regular reviews. I have a good relationship with my apprentice coordinator and feel I can raise any issues with her. In addition, there is a wealth of knowledge and access to further reading materials on the university website. There are also additional maths support which i have found to be very useful.

I wouldn't be able to be a Quantity Surveyor without the degree. What I am learning on the degree course and through on the job training is giving me a huge advantage to becoming a chartered Quantity Surveyor. The core subjects give a good overview of the construction industry as well as more specific modules to quantity surveying which I am able to use in my day to day work.

As I am site based, we occasionally have social events with the whole site team when a milestone has been reached. In addition, we have played in a 5 a-side league in the summer months. I have also attended award ceremonies for the project I have been on which is a good way to network.

Yes

John Sisk has a flat structure and is a family company which I like as I feel comfortable speaking to everyone. They make you feel welcome and provide good support and encourage CPD. They are also understanding when it comes to the apprenticeship programme and ways in which they can help to aid my studies.

I would say show enthusiasm about becoming a Quantity Surveyor. Have a good understanding of the role of a Quantity Surveyor as you will likely be asked this in an interview. I would also say to get as much experience in the construction industry as possible as this gives a head start in your learning process.