Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

I am currently working on the Transpennine Uprgrade section W3, primarily focusing on delivering the Advanced Structures. My day-to-day tasks consist of paying the sub-contractors I'm responsible for, raising orders and pulling together sub-contract forms. I work closely with site agents, site engineers and potential suppliers to raise orders and assist with their on-boarding onto the alliance. I am responsible for updating the procurement schedule for one of our sites, which tells us when we need to tender, award and place orders so that materials, plant and labour are on site ready for the anticipated date for works. The procurement schedule makes it clear which supplies we need orders raising the soonest and need to be the priority, allowing us to plan ahead. I also frequently email or call various suppliers enquiring prices for plant, material and labour which I can then put into a spreadsheet and create a price analysis sheet.

One of the skills I've developed whilst being on the job is my communication. Effective communication is required between colleagues and suppliers/sub-contractors to make sure we meet deadlines and deliver the works that need to be done accurately and efficiently. My IT skills have developed, being trained to use internal and payment and procurement systems, becoming a 'super-user' in the later, as well as using applications such as Microsoft Excel. I have also become a STEM Ambassador which was supported by BAM and the Transpennine Alliance which means I can now volunteer to help bring a new perspective to STEM lessons and inspire students to take up or consider career opportunities. For this project I have also had to move away from home to be able to commute to office, therefore I believe that I have become a lot more independent and have progressed personally.

Since being enrolled onto the programme, I have really enjoyed the myself to date. To be involved in such a huge project, the wide-spread experience I have and will gain is invaluable. The work I do isn't repetitive and most days I'll find myself doing different tasks. The team I work with are very supportive, making it a good working environment.

Studying is delivered on a 9 week block release at Leeds College of Building which I believe is the best way to do it, as I have a year on site uninterrupted, building up my knowledge of the industry and within my role. I have monthly catch-up meetings with my end-point assessor to make sure I'm on track to pass all the criteria and gain my qualification.

When I was first getting used to filling out sub-contract forms and making payments, my manager helped walk me through it and will check over to ensure I've done everything correctly. If I've made mistakes he will help me to understand where I've gone wrong and explain why it's wrong. Everyone I work with has a lot of time to help me continue my development as a QS. There are numerous people in my team I feel I can go to if there's a problem I'm stuck with.

As previously mentioned, I have monthly one-to-ones with my assessor to make sure everything's on track and I'm moving in the right direction to gain my qualification. It hasn't happened to date, but I know if I wasn't getting the relevant experience on site, my assessor would encourage the people I work with to help me get that. It can be easy to get lost in a project as big as this, which thankfully I haven't to date.

I feel like the college work gave me an insight to the industry before starting fresh on-site. I think the Tendering and Procurement topic was extremely useful as that is what I've mainly been involved with since starting on site. The different legal requirements and boundaries were also useful to learn, because when I attend meetings discussing potential problems we could face carrying out works, I'm aware of what is being said and can contribute.

Since joining the project there has been opportunities to plant trees in the community, attend careers events as a part of National Apprenticeship Week and become a STEM ambassador which allows you to give talks in schools encouraging STEM careers. The main social event of the year is the works Christmas Party, as well as numerous other social events organised throughout the year.

Yes

I believe BAM is a great company to work for due to many reasons. I think as a company they look after you well through a number of benefits, such as good pension pay, Bupa private healthcare and travelling expenses covered. If you have to move away for work they also help cover the cost with a living away allowance. The projects which BAM are involved in are massive so whichever site you end up on you'll get great experience which will kick-start your career.

If you reach the interview and assessment days, make sure you're prepared and don't go into them just winging it. Be engaged and show yourself off in the best light to stand out. If you are offered the role make sure to keep checking your emails so that you don't miss out any important information which could not only delay your onboarding process, but give you a reputation for missing deadlines before you've even started. Make sure you keep on top of your college work as it can be really easy to start to fall behind and it can become a rush to meet deadlines. Be aware that there is a chance you have to move away for work as distances to site may not be commutable. As soon as you know what site you are on start looking for potential accommodation straight away if you do have to move away.