Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

My Job role as a first year quantity surveying apprentice with BAM involves me assessing labour only subcontractors applications for payment, completing short-term cash flow forecasts, arranging meetings with subcontractors and assisting senior quantity surveyors with their commercial activities. I also often attend commercial meetings with the rest of my team.

Before starting the apprenticeship I had very limited prior knowledge of the construction industry, however whilst being on my study block and on site with BAM I have gained invaluable information into the roles and responsibilities of various people on site, as well as construction related terminology. As well as developing my knowledge and awareness of the role of quantity surveyor, I have also developed skills such as using excel and various software systems.

I have enjoyed my apprenticeship so far. There is a good balance between onsite experience and college blocks, allowing you to put into practice what you learn about in the classroom. At times work can be challenging and demanding, however the more you ask questions and get involved the easier it becomes.

The programme is fairly well organised. There is a slight disconnect between leaving college and starting on site as in my case not much notice was given to where I would be going and how to arrange getting there and moving away. Also you only progress onto the degree in the third year which is different to many other apprenticeships.

I have regular meetings with my apprenticeship assessor who guides me on what work I need to be doing on site placement to get the most out of the apprenticeship and to ensure that I cover all competencies required for the apprenticeship. BAM also has a mentoring system where you can be paired up with a more experience employee outside your team who you can go to for advice and support.

Whilst on the study block all the staff at Leeds College of Building are very supportive when helping with college assignments. They take the time to ensure you understand your each module and are happy to go back over anything you are unsure of. Some college module run over the 2 month college block, however there is a lot less support with these.

Some of the modules I have learnt at college have not been relevant whilst I have been on site, however they provide a good foundation of knowledge into the industry before arriving on placement. Through eventually obtaining a degree through my BAM apprenticeship, I hope it will help me progress to more senior roles throughout my career.

On my site there are many extra-curricular activities to get involved with, such as the football and lacrosse team. Everyone makes an effort to socialise and often go out for lunch together, which is good to get involved with as a new starter. Even at college there was a football team that BAM apprentices could join whilst there.

Yes

BAM is a really good company to work for that look after their staff and ensure that you get the most out of your apprenticeship. As a large construction company there are many avenues to develop your career and get experience in different job roles with BAM, so it is a good company for someone looking to progress.

Make sure you do your research and look online at current BAM projects locally to you and get an understanding of the work BAM does and the companies values. The construction industry often involves living and working away from home, so it is worth considering if this is something you would be happy to do.