Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

As a year 1 apprentice QS on my first site placement I have been learning the role from the beginning and being given more and more responsibility and tasks as I become more competent. My role on a day-to-day basis includes logging invoices from subcontractors and completing their payments, creating subcontract orders, completing final accounts for subcontractors which have finished work at projects coming to an end and also assisting other QS's in setting up a new project. Through this I am involved with assisting in forecasting costs and ordering plant, material, staff etc. soon I will be making a few site visits to other projects with the QS for the jobs.

I have learnt many new skills such as working with excel with is essential to be able to do the job as we work with excel spread sheets constantly. I have developed skills learnt in the first college block including my knowledge of the construction industry which was very basic before starting this apprenticeship.

I am enjoying my first placement so far as I have learned a lot more about the job than I did at college. I am also getting to stay at home whilst being on placement which I enjoy more than living away whilst at college in Leeds. the more I am learning on the job the more I am enjoying it as I am being given more responsibility and more important tasks.

The programme is structured well as we are at college for a full block and then on site for a full block so it is better than other apprenticeships where we would be at work for a few days then college for a few days. It makes it easy to switch mind-set from studying full time to working full time. the only part I did not enjoy was being away from home at college as I felt a lot of what we get taught could also be delivered at local college's without having to move away. However through doing this I have become far more independent and confident so I am happy I have done it.

Support from the employer is constant and very good. whilst at college there would be someone from the company come in and visit us every few weeks to check in and see how we were getting on. Now on placement the support comes more from my line manager and other QS's who I am working with. There are also training days and company days which I am invited to attend which will improve my learning and experience.

The college was good in supporting us in our college assignments, the tutors always tried their best to push us in the right direction if we were struggling with anything. The schedule is tight and there is a lot to do in a short space of time whilst being on the college block and most of the tutors recognised that and helped us the best they could.

The first college block seemed like a general introduction to the civil engineering industry but I do not feel that much of it has been beneficial to being a QS. When I came onto site I realised nothing I had learned at college was related to my role as a QS and everything I have been taught on placement has been new information which I did not learn at college. Despite this, I understand this is the process and is a qualification we all have to gain the overall goal of becoming a QS or Civil Engineer.

Yes. Whilst at college the tutor helped us get involved with different activities. We played five aside football every Wednesday night and other times the company and college took us bowling or go karting. Now that I am on site there are professional networking events which I am due to attend such as a Health and Safety course and a diversity day.

Yes

BAM Nuttall really look out for its employees and ensure everyone is well looked after and happy in their role. There is always work available as BAM is a major company in this industry so there is plenty of opportunity. The apprenticeship scheme specifically is a great opportunity with BAM as you can achieve your training and qualifications whilst also learning on the job which is valuable experience.

Prepare for your interview and assessment day thoroughly. Learn about the company's values and previous projects and ensure you are aware of current projects. Be prepared to move away from home but do not be put off by it as it will be very beneficial in the long run. Put in the effort and you will benefit from a very rewarding opportunity and will be set up with a great career.