Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

My role as an apprentice quantity surveyor involves assisting a senior quantity surveyor in day to day tasks such as payments, forecasts and requisitions. I also chair a meeting weekly so I spend some time in the week preparing. In the meeting we discuss any early warnings or general communications that have been raised.

Since becoming a BAM apprentice I believe that my skills on a computer have improved. This is key as I spend most of my time on excel creating or working on spreadsheets. Another skill which has improved is my communication skills. This has occurred as I have to communicate with the rest of my commercial team and subcontractors I manage.

I enjoy my programme as it has given me the opportunity to get hands on experience in the construction industry. I feel as though this will benefit me in the future as it will mean I have more experience. I also enjoy it as its interesting to see how many different aspects there are to construction.

As a BAM apprentice you would begin by doing a level 4 course. At this level there are two nine week college blocks at Leeds College of Building. For the rest of the time you will be working at a construction site anywhere in the UK. Once you have completed the level 4 course you would move onto the level 6 course. This is similar to the level 4 course. The only changes are that the course is three years and you study at a university.

My employer offers a wide range of support. There is a whole apprentice team would you can contact while at college or on site. They also help you to achieve your professional accreditation. Finally, each apprentice is given a mentor who helps you with your CPD and EPA (end point assessment).

As previously mentioned, each apprentice is given a mentor when they first go on site. Then you would have a call usually once a month on teams to discuss your progress. During this meeting, they will guide you on what you should be doing to completed different parts of your apprenticeship.

I feel as though they have been very helpful as without this apprenticeship I would not have been able to get the experience that I am currently getting. They also help me perform better by hosting regular webinars which can go towards your CPD that needs to be completed as part of the apprenticeship.

While at college there are some extra-curricular activities such as the chance to play 5-a-side football or join certain clubs. At my site there has been some talks about the companies aims and there are generally informal professional working events. There has also been a few dinners arranged while I have been on site.

Yes

I would recommend BAM as I feel as though the way the apprenticeship is structured allows you to do the best you can on your college work and it also allows you to apply yourself fully when on site. Another reason I would recommend BAM is because they have many exciting projects.

My advice would be to do some research the company to see if you think you will be a good match. Then during your application and interview be honest and act confident. Also, if you do get the apprenticeship, don't be afraid to ask questions as most people in the industry would be more than happy to answer your questions.