Junior Cost Consultant Review

The overall objective of this project is to deliver flood risk management protection measures and environmental protection or enhancement measures for a stretch of the Thames Estuary, including central London, up to Teddington. My role on the project includes providing a commercial assurance and cost management service to the Client in the delivery of this project. I assist in reviewing actuals and forecast costs to ensure that the money on the project is being spent correctly. This covers assurance across post and pre-contract. The CA team acts as a conduit between the various departments on the project,.

I have developed or improved on the following skills - Costing and cost planning of construction works - Undertake the detailed quantification, costing and cost planning of complex construction works. -Health and safety - Recommend solutions to ensure safe and secure working environments -Manage efficiencies of construction contracts

I have faced numerous challenges while being on the programme. There were times when I felt undervalued by the team, and my contributions to the project were constantly questioned in a passive-aggressive manner. The structure of the programme did not seem to be supportive of apprentices, and the communication within the team often left me feeling confused. Although I was able to complete the assigned tasks, I struggled to comprehend their relevance in the overall process. As I am pursuing a chartered apprenticeship, it is crucial for me to acquire specific experience. I did raise this concern, and efforts are being made to address it. However, I am disappointed that my feelings were not effectively heard when I tried to communicate my concerns. This has left me feeling deflated, and in order to avoid any conflict, I have resorted to concealing my emotions and focusing solely on getting by.

When assessing the challenges I face on the programme, I believe that they primarily stem from a lack of structure and effective communication within the team. As an apprentice at my level, it is crucial for me to not only complete tasks but also comprehend, retain, and understand the work I am doing. The project itself is relatively new for everyone involved, so it is understandable that senior team members may also be navigating unfamiliar territory. However, if apprentices are being assigned to projects, it would be beneficial to evaluate the structure of those projects and ensure that senior individuals are capable of supporting apprentices adequately, considering the deadlines associated with their degree programmes

When I initially joined the company and began working on my initial projects, I received a great deal of support. It was a positive experience, and I felt that I was learning in a manner that accommodated my recent discovery of being dyslexic. However, I feel that I have not received the same level of support on this new project. I have had to adapt my approach, which is understandable and a learning experience for me. However, it seems like I am the only one making adjustments for my own well-being, rather than the senior individuals I work under adjusting things to ensure that I, as an apprentice with neurodiverse processing difficulties, am receiving the necessary support. I find myself constantly having to remind others about my dyslexia so that I can fulfill their requests in the manner they desire. However, I receive feedback that I mention it too frequently, even though I wouldn't need to bring up my difficulties repeatedly if they were acknowledged and understood the first or second time.

I have received tremendous support from my training provider in addressing my needs and challenges related to depression and anxiety. They have been understanding and accommodating by providing deadline extensions for my assignments, allowing me the extra time I require to complete them. Additionally, they have arranged for someone to assist me in comprehending the assignment questions and ensuring that I fully understand what is being asked of me in the brief. I have also reached out to them regarding the difficulties I am facing on my project, and they have scheduled a call with their disability welfare team to further discuss my mental health and explore additional avenues of support. I am genuinely grateful for their willingness to go above and beyond in assisting me.

I have the opportunity to utilize the learning materials and webinars that are provided to me on a weekly basis, and I can effectively apply that knowledge in my work. Additionally, I have access to training programs, such as presenting skills, which assist me in improving my presentation abilities in the workplace.

Certainly! I actively participate in various initiatives within my workplace that allow me to openly discuss dyslexia and share my personal struggles, as well as provide insights on available software and resources. These initiatives also involve discussions on mental health, fostering an inclusive environment, embracing different cultures, and promoting a better workplace environment. Having experienced racism and sexism in previous companies, it is crucial to me that I contribute to creating a more positive and inclusive atmosphere for everyone. Recently, I have joined a new initiative called the recruitment workstream, which focuses on improving the recruitment process and making it more inclusive for all individuals. In addition to my involvement in various workplace initiatives, I have also been appointed as the 2024 Roots of Arcadis champion. This role entails being part of a network dedicated to supporting members with less than 10 years of experience in their careers. As the champion, I serve as the primary point of contact for these members, providing them with information on funding opportunities and resources for training. Furthermore, I am responsible for organizing calls where these members have the chance to engage with senior professionals and gain insights from their career journeys. Additionally, I am involved in planning social events for the network, fostering connections and collaboration among its members.

Yes

I would highly recommend Arcadis to a friend due to their people-first approach and the availability of training and a structured environment. However, I do believe that the company should address the issue of salaries, especially at the apprentice level. Some of us feel that we are being significantly underpaid considering the workload we are managing while simultaneously balancing our degree programs. When we raise this concern, we are often informed about the existence of an apprenticeship fund that limits the amount they can allocate to us. I find this problematic because apprentices are no longer just individuals fresh out of school; many of us are adults with financial responsibilities such as rent and other obligations outside of work. Comparatively, when we look at similar roles in other companies, it becomes evident that what we are paid at Arcadis does not align with industry standards.

My suggestion would be to stay true to yourself and demonstrate a genuine passion for learning.