Assistant Quantity Surveyor Review

In my current role as a Assistant Quantity Surveyor for Tarmac’s Traffic Management department my duties include preparing and sending monthly valuation’s in line with works undertaken including calculating WIP and reserve for projects at month end. It also includes the responsibility of pricing works and taking into account margins of risk and value engineering options, I also price up jobs using BOQ rates for clients in order to produce ITP’s, in relation with this I also attend meetings with my supervisors and clients to collect information and sort any issues. I am currently running a number of contracts covering an area from West Yorkshire to Norwich these include Frameworks and standalone projects. During the month I also prepare, price and send Early Warnings and Compensation Events in line with the project contract. I also create CVR’s for all works undertaken in the month and investigate costs where necessary to maximise profit, reporting all to my senior/ Managing QS.

During my time at Tarmac I have defiantly grown as a person and become more confident not only with work duties but also in everyday life. This includes being more confident to tackle problems head on and be more confident when talking to peers and clients etc. I have gained a lot of knowledge about the industry through internal/ external training courses during my time at Tarmac which has definitely helped me with my job role and allowed me to be more of an asset to the company in the process. I have also learned a lot regarding the profession I have chosen due to my University Course which I attend on a day release basis.

I really enjoy the programme I am on at the moment, Tarmac really invests in its early career employees and its is a pleasure to work for such a rewarding company, as an example of this Tarmac fund my Degree Apprenticeship but have also ran a Future Leaders course helping gain exposure to the business and gain valuable skills. I work in a really successful and encouraging team which only helps drive me forward. My work is also really flexible with my coursework as I have time to fit this in around day to day tasks which also helps make my programme more enjoyable as there is a good work/ life balance. I have to say since starting for Tarmac it has more then met my expectations and I am proud to say I work for them.

My programme is structured well in the sense I have time to study in work time during quieter periods and near exams. I also have been put through various training courses internally which have been added to my yearly reviews in order to help me with my growth in the company. I would say however for me personally it would be nice to have more structure when it comes to progression. For example on a 5 year course what job level and salary increase will be obtained for each year completed successfully. I believe this would help and you know what you are heading for short and long term.

I have received a lot of support during my studies as I have time within working hours to competed coursework which really does help and takes off a lot of pressure. With regards to outside of my department I have not had much dealing in terms of support from any other department so I can't really comment.

I enjoy my course and I feel I am doing well so far, I have a lot of support in terms of accessible resources through University that help with studying for exams and coursework. In relation to staff they will always make time to see you by arranging appointments but are always accessible through email.

In regards to the industry I work in I have learned a lot and I am more confident working in the environment/ sector that I work in due to the different topics I have been studying over the past 5 years through college and university. In my opinion I have not yet felt that my qualification has helped my with my day to day duties and so far it has been very genetic however I have more confidence it will in the coming years.

Yes, over the past 5 years I have been working for Tarmac I have been involved in golf days, trips out, exhibitions and other networking events. These events are great as you become closer to colleagues and get exposure to other professionals in the industry in a more relaxed environment.

Yes

I would recommend Tarmac to a friend due to the investment they make in there employees but also there understanding, flexible, helpful and friendly approach which creates a really healthy working environment. I would also recommend Tarmac as they are a company which makes you feel proud to work for them and makes you want to do better. They are always looking for ways to better the company by being ambitious with there business decisions therefore this also makes it a really exciting company to work for.

Apply and don't look back ! You wont regret it. I would be very surprised if there are many other companies out there that will show the investment, trust and understanding that Tarmac have shown me whilst working for them over the past 5 years. My biggest tip would be if you put the effort and work rate in the rewards will come.