Trainee Quantity Surveyor Review

I work on a construction site where I assist my manager with the financial and contractual management of a project. This involves me managing subcontractors through assessing and paying the work that they have applied for and completed monthly. This will then get reported back to my manage to assess any changes that need to be made.

There a lot of operational and development skills that I have developed through my time at Sisk. Personally I have massively improved my organisation, time keeping and confidence which help me to complete work on time and to the best of my ability. Then I have improved as a Quantity Surveyor by increasing my knowledge of the industry and my role as a whole.

The work I am completing is difficult but interesting so it is good as it keeps me thinking and involved. The teams I have worked with have all been understanding of my trainee role and have always supported me whenever I have needed it. Working in this environment helps make me more comfortable to make mistakes and learn which I enjoy.

In terms of study days and time given to complete uni work then programme is helpful and always give me the day a week to complete my studies. However, I think there could be more structure. Rather than getting put on a site and left to complete work, there could be a list of things I need to complete or the managers on site should know what exposure I need. This isn't always down to the apprentice to do as they aren't the experienced one so they won't know exactly what they haven't been exposed to. Also, training and workshops have been provided but not for everything. Having more training for more aspects of quantity surveying can help new tasks and the development. Again, this shouldn't just be left up to the apprentice as we aren't the experienced ones so may not exactly know what workshops are available.

The general support you get from work is good as there are people you can go to so you can find out different bits of information. However, the site support varies from project to project. Some managers will look to make more time to go through new tasks than others will. I think this can be organised better. I understand that it is hard to organise people on site especially when some sites have limited staff but it would help if apprentices were put on sites where time would be available to go through different tasks.

Due to the training provider being online throughout my course I have found it hard. The lecturers are normally there for a chat or an email and they will get back to you within a couple of days. However, not having that instant contact to discuss face to face has been a struggle. Often not being able to articulate my problems over and email especially when not being able to build a relationship with the teachers face to face. However, people are there to talk to whenever needed.

I feel my qualification helps a lot in work. Throughout my time everything is important in different ways. Most of the work you complete at uni expands your knowledge of construction as a whole so it can be useful. Then there have been a few modules that specifically help me with Quantity Surveying which allows me to be more confident with the work I am completing.

Yes normally there are. Before the corona virus I have been out to play football with site teams and even gone to pubs to socialise along with an annual ball. Even throughout the lockdown work have put on events through teams to allow everyone to connect and stay positive throughout these times.

Yes

John Sisk is a good company to work for as they care a lot about you. Generally they do give you support that you need to help you with your apprentice and even day to day working. This alongside a positive environment is really helpful when completing new work and trying to expand your knowledge even when you aren't as confident.

Just be yourself and be confident. In construction you meet a lot of very nice people that will give you help so it is a good industry to get into. Throughout the whole interviewing and assessment process be clear when communicating and be positive. Make sure you listen to everyone and give input yourself so you come across well.