Assistant Quantity Surveyor Review

My role as a QS involves quantification of construction works such as surfacing or improvement of safety schemes and presenting this to the client. My role requires a lot of liaison between the client and other stakeholders like subcontractors and suppliers, as well as raising early warnings and compensation events. I also deal with subcontract payments, valuations and certifications.

I have developed the skill to prioritise tasks, and make sure my work/study schedule is well balanced to ensure I don't fall behind on any tasks. This has helped me improve my time management skills as well as communication with peers. I have also improved on my technical skills and competencies such as cost estimation and contract practice

I enjoy studying my course and networking with other people on the course as we can share our experiences. It is also enjoyable being able to put my knowledge into practice within the workplace, eg in my 3rd year at uni I was studying contract practice, so that year I was able to practice contract administration in the workplace.

I think the course itself is well organised however I do believe that it does not feel inclusive of the part-time students who have to work the rest of the week. The course, I think, is more accustomed to full-time students, so sometimes it is difficult to achieve deadlines while also having work responsibilities.

My employer allows a days release to attend my course, but it also very accommodating around exam periods. We are allowed to take study leave as well as exam leave per every exam we take. This means we can focus on exams when necessary without having to take additional annual leave.

Support is received from my uni however due to the amount of students on my course, there are often delays in receiving any type of feedback or support. The amount of support received is compromised as we only get a day release, and that is the only time we would be able to ask for assistance form a professor or tutor in person, otherwise we may be waiting for an email response back for a couple weeks.

Working on my qualification enables me to realise legal aspects of certain documents and procedures, therefore helps me to be competent within my role. It also helps me with daily tasks such as cost estimation, as I can put my knowledge into practice, therefore providing clients with accurate and reliable quotes.

My company praises apprentices and emerging talent, therefore there are regular networking events for apprentices and graduates to share experiences, etc. My employer also runs internal training courses, which I have been involved in, such as Commercial Development courses, which run through the key elements of being within the commercial department, whilst aligning it to legislations and policies

Yes

The company praises and appreciates its apprentices and will always accommodate you and support you with achieving your qualifications. They are also a well known and highly reputable company thus giving you a high standard for experience and knowledge. The salary for apprentices and emerging talent is also very competitive so you really feel acknowledged as an individual.

I would definitely recommend others to apply for an apprenticeship within Balfour Beatty, however a degree apprenticeship can be very intense at times, with very close deadlines along with work responsibilities can be stressful. I would advise anyone that wants to apply for a job at Balfour Beatty that Balfour Beatty praise on individuals behaviours, as well as technical competencies, therefore a good working attitude is definitely necessary to be a successful applicant