Assistant Quantity Surveyor Review

As an assistant surveyor I support senior colleagues in managing subcontractors and providing commercial information. Other tasks include procurement and contract administration. Completing on site measures and regular site walks to monitor progress is also a key part of my role. Liaising with operational and finance staff is also essential.

Since starting my training I have achieved my CERT HE in Construction Quantity Surveying and am now starting my BSC. This has taught me time management skills as I juggle my studies and day job. I have completed training course about NEC and JCT contracts which has improved my knowledge of contract administration

I enjoy the studies I undertake at Sheffield, as the support provided by the academic staff is great. The distribution of work set and block weeks means that I can keep up with both academic and work commitments. My colleagues are supportive as many of them have complete similar programmes

The structure of the programme is good in that the four blocks weeks are spaced out throughout the year. This makes it simple to balance getting academic with done and focusing on work based learning at well. It appears there are clear channels of communication between the uni and Kier

My line manager and colleagues are understanding of my commitments with academic work. They are always happy to help where they can. If I require time to complete work, I am able to take time out of my working day as long as work commitments and deadlines are complete. My line manager tries to facilitate my learning as best they can

Sheffield Hallam are very supportive and readily available to answer questions. Lecturers are attentive during block weeks, and are always happy to answer questions remotely between block weeks. Lecturers seem to be aware of the struggles that can occur when trying to balance work and academic assignments and give us time and advice on how to manage this

My qualification gives me the academic learning to support what i do in the workplace. For example, having specific information about contracts from my assignments has helped me in my contract administration in my role. Assignments often lead onto further reading which may come in useful in day to day tasks, Again, the time management that juggling the two aspects requires is a great skill that I use regularly.

Due to Covid-19 these have been limited. However before hand there were often social events organized. There are also often chances to volunteer for events such as career talks for young people. There is a Kier Strava group which encourages everyone to get involved, most recently a March running challenge for charity.

Yes

The degree scheme is well organized and accessible. Support for Early Career employees seems to be mounting, which is exciting to see. Kier is a business with many schemes, if managed properly I think this is an opportunity for Early Careers employees to try different things, which would be another basis for my recommendation.

If applying for the degree programme, consider who the academic commitment will affect your workload and whether this is something you want. It is a great programme but a lot of work, which is worth it. I would also advise to engage with the early careers team, university lecturers and line managers about your studies