Estimator Review

My job role includes providing support for estimates or tenders with support from my line manager or peers. I provide support for work and am trained and advised on my work and different software's. I am office based every day apart from Thursdays when I am on day release to college to study a HNC in civil engineering.

I have learned new skills and developed others. The main new skills I have learnt include working with different software's I was unaware of before I began working with Costain. I have also learned skills required in estimating including pricing up of different plants/labour/materials. I have also developed skills in other areas, such as excel.

I really enjoy the programme. Everyone I work with are nice and helpful. If I am ever confused or stuck with a task it is easy to approach someone for help. I am constantly learning new skills that I will need and am becoming more experienced in the work I am doing.

I came in as the first apprentice estimator in work winning. It has been organised very well, and there is always something for me to be doing. The induction and training were very helpful and there is always more training available whenever I need it. We have meetings every 2 weeks to go through what everyone is working on within estimating, which are very helpful. Overall, my programme is very well organised and if there are any problems I can approach my manager easily and we can discuss and take actions. Although, so far I haven't had any problems.

I am always receiving support from my employer. If I am ever stuck on work, or even assignments from college, I can easily approach people and ask for guidance and it is always provided. The HR team are very helpful with advising me on any problems or when I am unsure of what to do regarding pension, payslip etc. Getting the support I need is extremely easy. I can either ask around within my work area and everyone is willing to help, or access online as there is plenty of information and training available for everyone.

My training provider is helpful in providing all relevant information required for my qualifications. I can always ask any questions or for extra help and it is provided. My manager is also very helpful as I can ask him or others around any questions regarding the work, and if there isn't much work to be done, I can be allocated time to work on my assignments when in the office.

I feel that I am becoming a lot more aware and educated in different areas of work. This helps me to perform better in my role because I have a better understanding of the work I am looking at. I can then use this knowledge to help me produce better work without as much help from my peers.

There are often events through work. For example; There are the Costain awards, this is where employees are awarded on different areas, such as best up coming star. There are the Costain roadshow, this is where employees of Costain do a presentation about Costain and where we are and the future.

Yes

Costain are a very big and well organised company. The help and support I have received from everyone is outstanding and whenever I have struggled with anything, someone has helped me. I have never felt that support isn't available and enjoy coming to work. Costain put you through all the training that you need and will put you through even further education if you wanted. Overall, the support and people are great.

Make sure you revise the company and understand what they do. Understanding the company is a massive advantage for you to know what they do and what they want to achieve, but also shows the employer that you have an understanding and have put effort in. If you act professionally with the work you do then Costain will help you throughout your whole apprenticeship and ensure that you get the qualifications you need.