Quantity Surveyor Apprentice Review

As an apprentice QS, on a day-to-day basis, I assist the commercial team in dealing with subcontractors. My roles include calculating the payment for subcontractors every month and making sure labour records are accurate for all workers on site. Whilst working on site I am also able to complete college assignments and interact with my tutor fortnightly via skype to review my progress

In the time that I have worked for BAM I have learnt many new skills. Studying in Leeds with the other Apprentices allowed me to develop my social skills. Additionally, being set regular assignments helped me to utilise my time efficiently. Working on site has enabled me to consolidate my communication skills as I am required to liase with subcontractors and work colleagues to ensure that the tasks are carried out within an agreed time frame and to a high standard. Working on site has enhanced my understanding of team dynamics and my confidence has increased. I feel very comfortable about making suggestions to team members.

I am enjoying my programme immensely, both the academic and practical sides. Whilst studying at college I enjoyed meeting new people from various backgrounds and have broadened my horizons. I appreciated the high level of academic support provided by my tutors at college. Their knowledge and enthusiasm for communicating their subjects made the assignments that were set more pleasurable to work on. On site I enjoy being part of a team and have benefitted from listening to the experiences of my work colleagues who have worked in the construction industry for many years. I enjoy the opportunity that comes with working on a major project since each day is never the same!

The programme is very well organised. When the apprentices are required to return to college for studies we are provided with the dates well in advance by the apprenticeship team. The same goes for the dates for when we are due to return to site. This is beneficial to me as it keeps my working life well-structured.

I receive a vast amount of support from the apprenticeship team as well as the team that I work with on site. The apprenticeship team are fast to reply if I have any queries and care about the apprentices wellbeing all of the time. On site, my team are very approachable and I am confident that they provide me with the amount of support that I need.

When working towards my qualifications in college, I was provided with a lot of support from my tutors. Whereby, if I ran into any confusion with the assignments, they would help me straight away and explain the work until I understood it. The tutors also have a supportive attitude and will push you to work to the best of your ability.

I feel that after receiving my Level 3 qualification I perform better in my role. I feel comfortable working on site as I am able to understand the terms being used. I also feel that I work well in a team as working on group projects in college prepared me for this.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work.Whilst in Leeds, the apprentices attended a welcoming meal and Christmas dinner, both organised by BAM. This was nice as it allowed us to get to know each other and be social. Whilst on site, I attended a leaving meal for a colleague.

Yes

There are many reasons why I would recommend BAM Nuttall to a friend. First of which would be that the company really cares about each individual member of staff and will do anything to make them more comfortable. Another reason would be that the programme allows you to meet new people and broaden your horizons. After only being with the company for 3 months, I was placed on one of the biggest construction sites in Europe which was exciting for a Year 1 Apprentice, so BAM will make your experience of working different to other companies. Overall BAM is a fantastic company to work for!

I would advise you to be confident and yourself when it comes to the interview stage. Don't be shy and really put yourself out there! BAM are an understanding company and will look after you. If you like travelling and is a social person, BAM it the place for you.