Quantity Surveyor Review

Apprentice Quantity Surveyor. Payment to subcontractors, liabilities to be sent to the client for payment, updates to the subcontract plan and budget. Monthly responsible procurement document sent to the accounts team for compilation and also to the client. Daily interactions with my team, the engineers, subcontractors on site etc. Interactions with subcontract managers via phone and email.

I am currently studying for a NVQ level 3 in construction and a BTEC Level 3 in Civil Engineering. I have taken part in Microsoft courses on site, a 2 day medium risk confined space course, first aid course.

I enjoy work and the team that I work with. Costain are a great company and the team and all staff here are very supportive. The course that I am currently partaking in at college is very intense and a lot of work is expected of us. I enjoyed my first 6 months with Costain but feel that the workload can be too much at times.

I think my manager is very supportive of my workload and will spend lots of time trying to help and support my work and learning by helping me. I think they value me at Costain and do not just give me menial tasks. The work that i carry out on a day to day basis is very important to the running of this project.

I think that the course we are currently on has been rushed. The apprenticeship manager at Costain had pushed us into our course early in order to complete it earlier, resulting in us having to complete the course in a year and a half instead of two years and subsequently attending college 2 days a week and completeing twice as much work. The training that is provided at college is fine and they are doing all they can to support us through and pass the course, but it is difficult with the growing workload when at work and trying to fit in time to do college work. I do find it very helpful that I am in an office of qualified individuals that I can ask for help if necessary, and a team that will support me with my workload if I do not have the time to complete it in order to meet deadlines.

The tutors differ extremely at college. Our maths tutor is the best that we have, she supports us thoroughly and tries to get us extra help wherever possible. There is also help elsewhere in college and people who you can go and talk to if there are any problems or queries.

My employer is very supportive to my course but peers do not understand the amount of time i spend away from my desk at college

Travel costs come directly from the project costs or subsidance is provided by Costain to move closer to the project office if the travel distance is very far. For an apprentice the salary is above average and they pay a London Living Wage.

Yes. There are many group activites and social events that take place within Costain which everybody is more than happy to involve you in as everybody is very friendly. There are also opportunities to work with the public and help with the church across from the project and the school next door, as well as discount to attend the local gym.

Yes

They are a great company who are very rewarding to their employees and provide excellent opportunities.

Depending on what route will be taken will depend on the interview and assessment process. The apprentice route involved an interview and quick feedback about the position which i did not find with other construction companies that i applied to.