Quantity surveying apprentice Review

I work currently on a railway project called Transpenine route upgarde. My role is currently helping the flow of the project from a commercial aspect. I carry out tasks such as making payments to subcontractors, writing up instructions for subcontractors, contributing to different spreadsheets that can track the cost of the project and lot of other jobs that contribute to the project

I have significantly improved my skills on excel whilst working for BAM and learnt how to manage spreadsheets more effectively. With the time I spent at college i enhanced my writing skills as there were lots of essays provided that i could continually improve my writing on. The skill however that has improved the most is my communication. Any issues or problems that I had have been encouraged to be shared and has also helped boost my confidence when raising issues

I have Enjoyed the programme so far with lots of different ways to improve my skills and knowledge being provided by the college or my managers. It is a social environment even with issues such as covid preventing more social interaction. Overall, I think that the main downside for the project so far has been the coronavirus however, that has also provided a challenge that made the experience more unique.

It is a very well structured programme and has a very effective way at achieving what you need to complete the apprenticeship. The programme provides you with goals that you need to achieve but also allows you to create your own goals. The mentor system also helps any apprentices to go to their mentor if they are struggling at all and they can help them with any issues they may have

My line manager has been very supportive with my development as an apprentice. If I have any issues I am able to go to them and ask for support. Initially I wasn't receiving the correct experience to expand my experience however, i raised this issue with my line manager and he raised the issue in a meeting and ensured that i would be able to experience anything that I needed to whilst on the project

My tutors at college were always ready to help with any issues I had with the assignments and provided assistance when necessary. They were always encouraging questions to be asked as they wanted us to succeed in everything we did. They also set out the assignments so that we as apprentices wouldn't have to hand in more than 2 assignments a week which gave us more time to improve or essays

I feel that without the qualification that I am going for my role would be much more difficult. The learning I did at the start of the apprentice is now visualized at work and I can put into practice what I learnt in the college block. The qualification has also given me targets to go for whilst on the project and gives me a better understanding of what experience i need

With the pandemic causing issues to social interactions it has been much more difficult to partake in extra-curricular activities. However, there are plans already for social events to take place with colleagues and football games to take place. I have also been able to become a STEM ambassador whilst on the apprenticeship which has provided me with volunteering opportunities

Yes

If you are interested in the industry then BAM is a very good organization to provide you with the experiences and qualifications you need to progress your career. It is a very social and inclusive company with many different policies to encourage diversity. The people working at BAM are social and welcoming and are all willing to help.

Spend time on your application and don't rush it as it is the first impression you give. With the interviews show that you are confident in yourself and able to apply yourself to different tasks and also prepare yourself for any questions that they may ask. If I was to start again from the start I would ensure that I keep on top of my college work at all times or it can get stressful and also to improve my excel skills by doing a course online.