Apprentcie Quantity Surveyor Review

I am currently working on the M1 Smart Motorway Project J13-16 on behalf of Costain Galliford Try Joint Venture .My main responsibilities include assisting a Quantity Surveyor with subcontract procurement and contract administration procedures of let packages. I have further experience in understanding and assisting in change management procedures by reviewing shift reports and discussing issues that arise with package managers, operations, engineers and the Quantity Surveyors.

I am given yearly targets and so from September 2018 to December 2018 I was given the task to assess my targets, I believed I was fully successful in achieving my commercial targets as I have ownership of two subcontract packages. I have developed my skills in assessing applications for payment by reviewing evidenced timesheets which have been signed off by the package manager, with this information I have been able to implement the payments. While overseeing this package, I was given the task to do a take‐off and produce a Bill of Quantities for the J15 site compound. This task helped me gain better understanding of a QS's role by using drawings to take of measurements, receive and analyse quotations for labour, plant and materials, and also issue site instructions for subcontractors to quote and supply the works.

Even though my job can be stressful at times e.g. having lots of deadlines, I never thought I would have learnt so much within the past 6 months and gained so much confidence. I enjoy my apprenticeship because I'm always learning and I didn't realise how much the construction industry has to offer.

I wish there was more structure within my programme as I found the first 2 months the hardest to settle in. I didn't understand much, so it would of been nice to have more training and support, however being thrown in the deep end has definitely devolved my skills quickly - so there's positives and negatives.

I receive extra benefits like a pension plan, discounted private healthcare, money for mileage (driving from home to work) and other added extras which definitely help. Within my actual job, you don't get your hand held through the process, so this can be a bit daunting especially if some individuals have came straight into full time employment after just finishing school. For me, I like the fact apprentices are left to learn for themselves, it encourages individuals to ask questions and gain confidence.

My company don't have designated support programs when it comes to my degree work. University work and on the job work is separate. However, I do go out of my way to ask members of my team and others who I work with if I'm struggling and need some guidance.

By working within the industry I'm studying, many of the individuals are knowledgeable. Through this, I am able to ask questions and understand my university work better as many of the people I work with can explain and also give me books extra reading. Also, on the job training gives you a more developed understanding of how processes work, therefore it definitely helps by working and learning at the same time.

There are many people that live away from home at my job so there are lots extra-curricular activities to make people close and not lonely. We do group bond building/training days every so often, to get people to know each other, encourage collaboration and for a bit of fun also.

Yes

Costain offers a lot as a company. For example, they support lots of training initiatives, set many people up for the future by sponsoring degrees and RICS, they sponsor lots of charities, they also encourage diversity and inclusion. Everyone is so helpful and friendly and my apprenticeship has been a breeze so far due to this.

Costain want people who are confident and driven. They also need individuals to be mature and responsible for themselves. I've enjoyed my apprenticeship due to having so much responsibility and it being such hard work, I would not recommend it to anyone who thinks an apprenticeship is an easy ride.