Assistant Quantity Surveyor Review

Seconded into water company, providing commercial cost assurances to large scale non infrastructure construction projects up to £120M. This includes pre and post contract duties such as issuing tenders, assessing tenders, cost assurance of contractor submissions, assessing payment applications, monthly cost reporting and general management of the framework contracts reporting directly to the Client.

Have gained my degree in quantity surveying. Working towards my chartership through the RICS. I regularly undertake internal training within Mott MacDonald which includes items such as office suite training, data security etc. I have learnt general and specialist QS skills during my time in the role such as how to assess cost, review and draft contracts and how to negotiate with Clients.

I very much enjoy my programme and feel very well supporting. In particular, I like the company culture which allows me to spend time taking on a number of extra curricular activities such as early career support in other parts of the business. The experience exceeds my expectations in the business.

For the most part I found my programme to be very well structured with both my employer and University providing setting clear criteria's for me to meet as well setting out milestones which would be required from me. I did, however, find the chartership process a little disorganised and it was unclear when I would be sitting it.

My employer offers a lot of support in many forms. I particularly find my line manager and mentor to be helpful and supportive should I have any questions or concerns. The attitude to supporting me is very positive and overall the support is great. I have always felt fully supported.

I have regular catch-ups and meetings with my apprentice outcome officer and there is a number of online resources which are available for me to use. The attitude is very positive and they always have been able to point me in the right direction of someone who could support me.

Being completely honest, I struggled to make the connection between my day job and my university degree when I first started, however, as the course progressed, I found it very beneficial and that the degree supported me in my role. I also found that it gave me more opportunities with my company.

Yes - I regularly participate in a number of early career professional (ECP) activities. The main one for me was being the ECP lead for one of the key accounts in the business. I also undertake a number of activities with my local office and where possible offer to hold presentations.

Yes

Very good employer with a great company culture. I always feel fully supported in the role and always have someone to turn to for support if required. They take a lot of care in their employees and actively listen to what their staff say and act on the feedback. They also have a genuine concern for the environment and sustainable causes.

The application process is straight forward and clear. In the interview they want you to be clear, coincide and honest. Just be yourself and answer the questions truthfully whilst showing yourself in a positive light. The onboarding process is very smooth and makes you feel very welcome. I would have liked more information about my apprenticeship before I started however.