Trainee Quantity Surveyor Review

I make subcontract payments by analyzing the valuation submitted and determining whether the variations they have claimed are legitimate by producing takeoffs to check quantities and doing measurements on site. I go to the construction sites I am working on to keep strong relationships with the site team and to further my knowledge of the construction industry by watching the works being completed. I also send out enquiries and place orders with various subcontractors for the different trades that we require on site; negotiating the prices and looking for any areas of risk or opportunity. Further to this I do basic administrative tasks such as sending emails, creating folders and creating spreadsheets to track/compare payments, orders and materials.

I was able to successfully complete my HNC during my time at ENGIE and am currently completing my Quantity Surveying Degree via the Degree Apprenticeship route. ENGIE have put me on various training courses throughout my time here, improving my development of not only within the construction industry but in my general everyday life as well. Furthermore, ENGIE recommended me for an Apprenticeship Ambassador programme run for the Leeds City region that I managed to secure allowing me to go round different schools trying to inspire the children to view a career within the construction industry. Whilst working as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor within ENGIE it has allowed me to improve my communication skills by dealing with a variety of different contacts both externally and internally to my organisation.

I thoroughly enjoy both coming to work and doing the job I am contracted to do. Everyday is different, I am never dealt with the same two problems so it keeps me on my toes. I believe one of the main reasons why I enjoy coming to work is because of the team I work in. I can always rely on them to point me in the right direction if I am stuck with a problem. It doesn't feel as I am a trainee with one line manager as everybody helps each other out even if they are not directly involved in the problem. I believe that I would not have the experience I have now if I was working within a different team.

My programme is well organised as we have a set of standard forms that track my progression to the next step, showing me the criteria I need to be achieving allowing me to set myself objectives. I am able to set myself goals using our HR system that my line manager is able to confirm and assess my progression via. I have constant support throughout my training via my line manager and social values officer. They arrange meetings with myself every 12 weeks so I can raise any queries I may have and check I am doing all the things I am suppose to be doing. However, when I am in the office my social values officer usually has a brief informal chat to ensure that everything is going alright and that I have no queries that would require an earlier meeting to be scheduled.

As mentioned in previous questions, I do not believe that I would have the same experience or support if I was involved within a different team. Everybody is accessible if I have a problem or require assistance and would either be able to help directly or point me towards the process I need to take in order to resolve my issue.

My tutors are all accessible via email and respond rather quickly answering any questions I have. Further to this they are all approachable and not intimidating or condescending when answering questions even if they are relatively simple questions. In addition to this, the course leader arranges meetings with both myself and my social values officer to ensure I am getting the required support for the course and that I am not being too challenged with the material on the course. As I am only in my first year I have only studied a handful of subjects but the ones I have completed I have found interesting and the lectures/tutorials have been engaging to participate in.

So far the modules I have studied haven't directly corresponded with my job role. However, the topics covered all have indirect relevance to being a Quantity Surveyor. They allow me to think more deeply about the construction industry, which in some cases have helped me solve various problems I have been faced with at work.

There are no extra-curricular activities that I am involved in. However, the company still has activities arranged if you would care to participate. ENGIE do have an initiative where each colleague has to take a day to do volunteering work (either out of their own time or during working hours). Within my team we do also arrange social events for various occasions allowing us to connect externally to the working environment.

Yes

The main reason for my recommendation would be due to the team I am working in. I believe that I wouldn't get the same level of support or experience at any other company. I haven't met anybody within the business who has dealt with me in an obstructive way or with a negative attitude. Everybody has treated me as their equal despite them being in a more senior role.

Don't be too formal in the interview process. Everybody within our team (including the commercial managers and directors) are able to share a joke and a laugh as well as being able to switch to a formal attitude when dealing with work issues. By going into your interview too formal it could give the impression that you do not have a more relaxed side which could be a deterrent when choosing an applicant for the job.