Quantity Surveyor Review

I work with other quantity surveyors assisting them with their subcontract packages as well as managing 3 of my own. This involves assessing their applications each month, paying the subcontractor and forecasting future spend. I have also put together 2 packages of my own which I am now procuring myself.

In the 7 months I have been at Costain I have developed lots of practical skills that aren't just job related, for example I work with several different teams such as operations and finance on a day to day basis so my people skills and communication skills have improved no end.

Although the start to my apprenticeship was slow I am very much enjoying the programme now. It is great to be part of a team that are making a difference to the general publics lives. Now I have my own responsibilities I feel valued which adds to the enjoyment of the programme.

I was left to my own devices for the first 2 or 3 weeks which I thought was strange however once I was assigned my own packages I had a lot of work to do. My university course has been very well organised and I like that I am given one day per week for university studies.

Costain have given me a lot of support, I am assigned to a senior QS which means if I need help I have someone to go to in order to help me. I have also been assigned on several online training courses which has helped me to learn the theory behind my job role.

Costain give me a day per week towards my degree which allows me to attend lectures. Costain also pay for any books or help that I need financially which is a massive help. I often stay late after work hours to complete any assignments as understandably I should be working during work hours.

My university course is mostly based on house building which doesn't really relate to my job because we are building a motorway. However the basic principles and processes can be applied to my job so there is some overlap. It is also good to get a basic idea of construction principles.

There are several extra curricular activities, for example I can join any of the societies at university. Also at my work place there are several opportunities for other activities, for example recently I visited a local college to explain what my project is about. I am also joining the works 5 a side football team.

Yes

Costain is a very good company that cares for its employees. They offer very good sponsorship opportunities and the communication is very good. It is also good to know that Costain is a stable company with low risk so they will be around for a long time with a guarantee of a job at the end of my programme.

I would say make sure to come across enthusiastic, Costain offers several different job roles across the company so transferring job roles can be easily done. Make sure you have a passion for what you are doing and to ask for help if you need it, there is a vast amount of experience at the company to help.