Apprentice QS Review

At JN Bentley my role is to assist my mentor with making payments to subbies, running CV's and evaluating the cost in the month on each project. As well as this I send out tenders to subbies and set up orders. I have to use my knowledge and judgement to choose who is best suited for each job.

I have learnt how to use a system called Xpedeon which all orders are kept on, also I have learned how to understand Commercial Values (CV) and Cost to Completes (CTC) which show the cost to date in the month split between staff, labour, plant and subbie costs. furthermore I have developed my technical skills such as writing emails and improved in the formality of this.

I enjoy my programme a lot, each day is different its never the same task daily. This allows me to learn new skills each day and pick up on a variety of skills. I also enjoy the switch from college life as I've got used to a routine and coming to work everyday. Finally the office environment and getting to know new people and forming strong working relationships.

The programme is organised as I work 4 days and then attend college 1 day a week where I learn further about my role. I am always busy as my mentor gives me plenty of tasks and I feel this is better as I learn more in comparison to being bored sat there with little to do.

I receive lots of support such as reviews on my progress and how I'm working. I also get emails about support for various things if its needed. I have a strong triangle around me who always offer support and guidance if I ever become stuck this helps me to learn and take on there advice

My learning provider offers lots of support constantly sending extra work books to use and offering guidance in lessons. As well as this the learning provider we use shows our progress and allows the teacher to leave feedback on the work submitted helping see how you have done. I would say the support received is very good.

The qualification is more engineer based however I feel these skills are still valuable as a QS they help me to understand more about what engineers are doing on the sites I'm working on. the QS side of the qualification is very helpful though it helps develop my skills and make me better.

Yes I play 5 a side after work every Wednesday this has helped me to meet new people and build relationships it is very good and provides a bit of a laugh after work. Finally I also took part in the 3 Yorkshire peaks challenge with some colleagues this was tough but very rewarding and provided a great weekend away with plenty of fun and laughs.

Yes

JN Bentley is a great company from the facilities to the people and rewards. They are a very modern up to date company the office which I work in is brilliant and the people are very kind and polite. JN Bentley offer a very good wage for apprentices and the progression you can make through the company is another big factor why I'd recommend JNB. Finally bonuses are offered and good work is prasied a lot.

Make sure you apply as JNB is a great company. Just be yourself, don't try to be something that you think people would want you to be. If you get the chance to go to a recruitment day express yourself relax and it will be fine. When submitting your CV just talk about yourself and all the many achievements you have.