Assistant Cost Consultant Review

I am undertaking the role of a Cost Consultant, supporting Associate and Senior Cost Consultants provide a range of clients advise on the commercial side of construction, specifically healthcare construction. This involves working with clients (such as the NHS or Architectural firms) develop cost plans from the very earliest stages, whilst working with the design team to ensure that throughout the design phases of a project, the design's strategy and specification are cost effective - not just for the initial build, but for the full lifetime of the building (including maintenance and use of the building too!). We also help guide our clients to the use of the most appropriate form of contract for use with suppliers, service providers, and contractors, to deliver the project in-line with it's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Once the contract has been selected and implemented between all parties involved, the management of the contract's administration (such as triggering any clauses, upholding any terms and/or conditions, etc.) becomes the key role during the contracts life. I also measure and price projects from drawings, and then assess the works/services that have/have not been completed as per the contract to come to a suitable payment amount. Projects that are worked on could range from a total value of less than £100,000, right up to £multi-billion budgets for a larger programme of projects/works. The role is very dynamic and exciting, whilst constantly developing and growing as the Construction Industry grows to a more digital and sustainable role.

Throughout the apprenticeship, I have developed skills across the board, from things as basic as communication (verbally, written, graphically), management (of people, teams, external people outside of our influence), right through to specialist skills like measurement, costing/pricing, contract advise and management, and construction technologies and methodologies.

I enjoy both the learning and working side of my apprenticeship. My workplace side of the apprenticeship keeps me busy with challenging tasks to provoke professional growth and maturity, whilst my learning (at work and at university) helps me to embed the things I have seen or witnessed in the workplace and give me an ever-growing confidence to contribute to projects, meetings, designs, etc. Having the opportunity to attend university part-time throughout the apprenticeship also allows me to meet others in the same pathway as me, and on adjacent or similar pathways too - a great way to network, learn and grow together as you progress through the course.

I have found that the programme has been very well organised, where modules are built entirely around an end goal for apprentice - the chartership to a relevant professional body. For me, as a Cost Consultant / Quantity Surveyor, the chartership is with the RICS, where there are strict competency requirements which my university learning cover both broadly, and specifically, allowing me to then fill any gaps in my knowledge from my learning on the job.

My employer has an incredible wealth of resources to support apprentices and those in their early career. There is a large database of support materials which can be used for your learning and RICS APC process (for chartership), and there is also a range of networking frameworks for everyone at the early stages of their careers, which run regular events and socials to allow you to meet and get to know others in a similar position to you within the company (and sometimes from external companies/organisations too!)

I have found that the programme has been very well organised, where modules are built entirely around an end goal for apprentice - the chartership to a relevant professional body. Alongside a dedicated Degree Apprentice learning coordinator, an academic mentor, and an apprenticeship mentor, there is always someone available to help and support me at every stage of the apprenticeship.

I feel that the apprenticeship allows me to stand out amongst the crowd, as I am able to position myself in a far stronger position on my graduation than other graduates, as I will have at least 5 years of workplace experience, knowing the working processes and practices already. I will also have a wealth of experience on a range of projects which allows me to be 10 steps ahead of other graduates.

My employer has a range of "societies" for all kinds of activities, such as specific sports and hobbies, allowing you to network and enjoy time with others in the company with similar interests to you who may not work within your team or sector. The company also has a regular sequence of team socials, sector socials, company-wide socials too.

Yes

Joining Arcadis was the best decision I have ever made. They support me professionally, personally, and with my physical and mental health. The company have incredible values which are embedded in everything they do, and the organisation hold them dearly and adhere to them each and every day.

Be confident, the company will always be happy to support you grow in areas where you have weaknesses. They want to make you the best version of yourself, not only at work, but at home and university/college too. Get to know their values, as they aren't just good for getting the job, but they are great for using day-to-day anyway!