Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

My role as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor usually involves office based work, working at a desk using computers and lots of Microsoft Excel. I am often completing or reviewing payments for the sub-contractors on site. In addition to this, I assist with any work that the Senior QS's are carrying out. This can also be general surveying out on site, however in my current position most of this practical work has been completed already

One of the main skills I have developed during this course would be my computer skills. My knowledge regarding excel and the way in which computers are used in creating payment notifications and certificates has broadened massively. Communication is another key skill I have learnt to build over my time on site, this is crucial for the progression of the project. Also I have gained much more knowledge on general construction during my time here and I now feel much more connected with the industry compared to the beginning of the course.

This course is amazing. I love how many different ways you can gain experience through doing this. Starting with the time we spend at college, learning more and more every day whilst building brilliant friendships with the people on the course. During this time we are all living with each other too so the education side of the course becomes even more enjoyable because we can all easily share knowledge with each other. I also love the fact that we then for a few months at a time get actual on site experience, you wouldn't get that from going to university. It really is the best of both worlds. The company are very helpful supporting all your needs also.

It is very well organised with support all the way through your time at college and then of course from your managers too on site. Everyone is well connected and communicates brilliantly. The structure of the programme is also great. I really enjoy the fact that the year is split up into time on site and then education at college too all in two separate blocks. I prefer this in comparison to a day release at college for example.

The company is very supportive and if there isn't anything to silly to ask. As apprentices you may feel like you cant speak out as much as you think, however your view is considered as much as the next person. In addition the accessibility to this support is so easy too. As well as being able to contact anyone in the company through email, the company also keep everyone connected through their website which brings all the support features and relevant people into place. This really helps as all the help you need can be found on one platform.

We are offered lots of support from the Leeds College of Building. We are always able to contact the correct people if we aren't able to at college in person. Furthermore they use a great marking system called BlackBoard which allows the tutors to give you important feedback on assignments and projects. Finally, regarding our distance learning unit the communication via emails from our tutor on this is great and we have a personal call every other week offering any help if its needed towards the project.

The qualification assists me massively and I think that's helped by the fact that the training provided is closely linked with the company and knows exactly what we are doing out on site. Therefore they can adapt the teaching of the course to suit our needs out on site too.

Whilst at college the social activities are endless. My personal experience has been 5 a side football with a handful of friends on the course. In addition we also had a few company meals especially one at the beginning of the course which helped everyone bond and get to know each other. During time on site social events are also very accessible and offered to everyone. A lot of evenings are organised through your individual project and allows the whole team to get to know each other. This especially helps on a huge site where you may only see a handful of your team every day.

Yes

The company is so supportive and offers a lot during your experience with the company. Especially during this apprenticeship its really enjoyable and combines really good relationships with education and in depth on site experience. You get the best of both worlds with a long time on site allowing you to really get stuck in with the team. This is separated with regular intervals of education blocks at college. This allows your to meet back up with all your classmates too and enjoy the education.

My first bit of advice would be, get prepared to move away from home, and be enthusiastic on travelling the country because this will be a huge part of the experience whilst at college and on site. Get stuck in also, your time out on site will only be what you make it. If you don't show enthusiasm to take part in site activities and get stuck in with the work on site, then you wont gain as much experience as you could. That is only effect your journey on the course and doesn't effect anyone else. The most important piece of advice I have is to make friends and enjoy your time wherever you are during the course. Make the most of your opportunities.