Higher Apprentice - Commercial Review

My role is based in a Contracting commercial function. This translates into working in the Estimating and Quantity Surveying departments. On a daily basis, quantity surveying involves overseeing multiple jobs to ensure their profitability is maintained through cost management and site records. It also involves building close relationships with our customers. Within estimating, it is the team's role to ensure a constant supply of work is brought into the business; this is dome through effective, competitive and efficient pricing of tender packages. Commercial strategy and awareness is a huge part of my learning and is extremely enjoyable.

Yes, I have learnt how costs can be effectively managed to give every job the best chance at making a profit. I have become more aware of commercial strategy, allowing me to better price work and secure more projects for the operations team to deliver. I have learnt how to build strong, reliable and valuable customer relationships - something which is extremely valuable to any business's success.

I couldn't be happier. The programme exceeded my expectations in terms of exposure to new and highly enjoyable aspects of the business. My learning doesn't stop. It provides challenges and that together with my Personal Development Plan, I am able to meet my own targets for learning and development as well as make a valuable contribution to the business which supports me in achieving my goals.

The programme is very well structured. From day 1 I had a Personal Development Plan set with my line manager; this meant I had personal goals to work towards and a plan was put into place to ensure the business was supporting me in achieving these. A training review is undertaken on a monthly basis to reflect what I have learnt throughout the month and also identify any further exposure the business might be able to give me to ensure I achieve my goals. The apprenticeship programme follows a structure whereby all apprentices will spend a given amount of time in each Contracting department to ensure a well-rounded view of the business's operation is achieved. This also helps both parties find a suitable end role for the apprentice. Tarmac also dedicate such time in an apprentice's early career to formal education, meaning we aren't just used as a extra pair of hands. It is clear our development is a priority of Tarmac's management.

A lot. As previously discussed, we have monthly training reviews to ensure all desired support is given to us. If we would like to develop our knowledge through an additional training course, there is no doubt that the option would be at least explored by Tarmac but most likely we would be able to attend the course of our choice. Other support we receive comes from our mentors - these are separate to our line managers and can be used as a confidential source of advice or additional learning. There is a mentor framework provided by Tarmac which ensures each apprentice's development is of the same high standard.

A good level of support is provided; there is a substantial amount of time each week/month given to me to support my formal education. We have regular meetings with our NVQ assessors and attend college once per week for a full day. They are always available to ask questions etc. via email or telephone.

My qualification is engineering/site based therefore it allows me to grow my background/grass route knowledge of our industry. My role focuses on commercial aspects of the business so to have a course that builds my knowledge up elsewhere does help me to perform better, most noticeably when pricing work I will have a better understanding of how the job will be carried out on site thus I am able to produce a more accurate price.

Each year Tarmac invite all graduates and higher apprentices to a high profile event called the Future Leaders Conference; previously held at Alton Towers and Centre Parcs. This is a fantastic opportunity for networking over the space of two days with colleagues from around the business, working in different departments. We undertake team building activities along with a social event on the evening, helping us to properly get to know everyone around us and the value of connections made at this event can not be underestimated, especially when a lot of us will be progressing at the same rate through the business in the future.

Yes

Tarmac is the market leader in our industry. We have a fantastic workforce who are dedicated to providing solutions for our customers. We have played leading roles in some of the UK's most noticeable infrastructure projects including, Heathrow Airport, The Shard and the London Olympic Park. Not only this but it is very clear through the support we receive as apprentices that senior management really do care about our development and progress; events such as the future leaders conference exemplify this. Most current Tarmac employees have progressed through the business from similar apprenticeship schemes so their dedication to us is never in question, the exposure we get from our Executive Committe and Chief Exec is unrivalled.

Make sure your values align with Tarmac's; ambition, drive and desire to deliver good results and success are essential. If you possess these qualities, the business will support you in your own development and progression and the training and support you receive as a result of this will be second to none.