Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

I am an apprentice Quantity Surveyor with Bam Nuttall which means that I am responsible for managing the costs associated with Civil Engineering Projects. My day to day schedule varies from making subcontract payments, assessing works, forecasting costs, setting up cost codes, forming subcontracts and meeting with Agents. Every day is different and I work on a number of projects as I am office based.

Since starting the apprenticeship 4 months ago, I have already acquired a Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma from Leeds College of Building in Construction in the Built Environment. This was through a 3 Month course spent in Leeds which was paid for and supplied by BAM. I will be continuing to attend college each year in block periods to achieve higher levels of education.

There are benefits and disadvantages to the apprenticeship itself. Being in Leeds, you're surrounded by the new starters in your group and you develop good relationships with the people and have a really good time in Leeds. You all live together and get to know each other, go to college together and go out in the evenings together too. Starting my work placement has proved to be very enjoyable, except a few smaller tasks which become tedious but are nothing in comparison to the knowledge you acquire along with the people you work with.

The programme itself is fairly well structured. You know when you will be attending college and all of the time tables are issued with plenty of time to make travel arrangements around this. the learning itself has a clear breakdown of units and key dates that need to be met in terms of assessment and the general guidance and education is provided in order for you to meet these dates.

I have received a good amount of support from my employer. My line manager whilst on site placement has been more than accommodating to the fact that I am a new starter and need more support in my role than others. During college blocks BAM are always happy to provide support and answer questions if we ever have any.

Leeds College of building have some very good tutors and some that can clash with the learning styles of particular individuals. Some people will find the tutoring to be of top quality where as I found some of the support from tutors was inadequate and could have been improved upon.

My subsidiary Diploma at this stage of my job has not provided me with a huge amount of job specific information. It did however supply me with good background information of the industry and health and safety procedures which can be carried in to any situation. Whilst It may not be specific, it is an important level of foundation knowledge to have.

At college we involved ourselves in the local football leagues and whilst at work there are also football leagues involved. Whilst they aren't specifically provided by the employer, individuals can take it upon themselves to create a group and get people together to play sports and participate in extra activities.

Yes

They provide a clear progression route with equivalent and professional qualifications whilst offering a generous apprenticeship salary and package. I personally am grateful to have been given the opportunity to take part in the apprenticeship. I believe it is a great way to start your career in the industry whether it be Quantity surveying or Civil Engineering

Make the most of it. It can be a daunting task for people to move away from home to a new job and a new set of people, and to a new environment all in one go. it may be hard at first but once you integrate with the people you live and work with it becomes a joy. Stay enthusiastic about your work and keep to deadlines. When you are completing assessments at college you will find it 10X more enjoyable if you stay on top of your workload I promise