Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

As an apprentice QS, there will be an emphasis on good communication with your subcontractors as well as with the client. On a typical day, my role includes helping to assess a subcontractors application for payment by using plant and labour sheets to cross-reference. I also assist the commercial team by sending out 'instructions' to the subcontractors which can include instructions to commence or 'stand down' works as well as instructions to submit quotations. These are then passed down the supply chain to ensure the works are on schedule.

Since joining my project, my skills and knowledge of the industry have increased greatly, building my interest further. By completing work for my manager/ team I have developed the understanding that I'm not expected to know everything straight away and can ask as many questions as necessary to do well. This confidence has been very useful and is continuing to grow in an environment in which you're being asked to do things for the first time, regularly. My time at college prior to my placement has also developed my knowledge of construction as a whole, with the distance learning module helping to keep my study skills sharp.

I very much enjoyed my time in Leeds during the college block in terms of both people and place and see it as a welcomed variation to my time on site. I am also grateful for the opportunity I have had so far working on the largest infrastructure project in Europe and the unique opportunity for learning and skills development that has brought.

I appreciate the structure of our programme in which we have a concentrated amount of time at Leeds College of Building e.g. 13 weeks, 6 weeks etc, which is followed by a longer period at a placement. I think this gives the greatest opportunity for development from our on-site placement and a chance to progress as much as we can within it.

From the college tutors to the whole apprenticeship team, I have felt very supported throughout the apprenticeship so far. There is regular contact to check in with us ensure we're all doing well as well as to encourage us to get as involved as we can.

The support received at college continues through to the distance learning module during our placement. This is in the form of phone calls, Skype and emails to help resolve and issues we have.

Having been given a basic understanding of key parts of the construction industry during my Level 3 diploma, I was able to start my placement with a greater confidence. By being on site, it has also helped contextualise what I learnt during my 13 weeks at college.

During our time at Leeds College of Building, activities were arranged to help bring us all together such as meals out, paintballing, Go-Karting etc. This allowed us all to get to know each other better and was definitely beneficial.

Yes

I am very aware of the privileged position I find myself in on BAM's apprenticeship scheme and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to other young people. You're entering an exciting industry in a way that has all pros and no cons - no university fees with a university-like experience in Leeds, an opportunity to work on unique projects such as the HS2 and an environment in which your development and progression is a priority.

-Show how enthusiastic you about this opportunity and being apart of the industry. -Research key tasks the job involves and use your past working experience/ school experience to demonstrate how it would make you suitable for this job. -Be confident in your abilities!