Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

My Job involves managing the costs of a project and reporting on any change which may affect price and programme. Everyday I feel like I am learning something new and now am starting to take on new responsibilities such as subcontract management on one of my projects.

Before I began my apprenticeship I only had small commercial knowledge but now this has widened greatly through taking on challenges and daily tasks. I have also developed my communication skills and how to build relationships with industry professionals both internal and external to Balfour Beatty.

At college they heavily influenced the uni pathway and didn't really talk about apprenticeships. Getting exposure to the working world and gaining a degree at the same time as earning a salary is the best decision I could've made. The support I get from colleagues is huge and if I ever need any extra time to work on assignments then they will reduce my workload to make sure the balance is right for me. Also learning about the wider industry and quantity surveying assists with my job day to day to get a wider understanding during meetings, discussions around the office and when completing tasks.

I would say it is well organised. Mon-Thurs I do work and then Friday is for my course. I work from home to complete calls with my class and tutor. There are always people available for me to go to if I need support both within Balfour Beatty and from LSP.

The support from Balfour's is massive. There is so much support and encouragement within the team for everyone to do the best they can. We have quarterly commercial sessions where everyone within Power get together to discuss achievements and where we may need extra support from others. Even if my line manager is not available, there are always other people I can go to within the commercial team and project teams if I need support.

We have weekly sessions where my class and tutor cover the specifications for the unit we are covering. My tutor puts on an extra 30 minute session after the lesson for individuals to stay on and he can cover any past content which you are unsure of. He is also available on other weekdays for us to have a 1-2-1 if we are unsure of anything or need some extra support.

LSP has developed my deeper knowledge of the industry. It has helped me understand a lot more industry specific vocab and therefore I am able to have a more active role within meetings. It also allows me to see sides of quantity surveying which I may not get to experience while at Balfour Beatty but are skills that are transferrable across the industry.

At Balfour's there are monthly events which you have the opportunity to sign up for. Some which I have taken part in are: screamfest, tuck shops, crepe and waffle van, climbing an electricity pylon and flower arranging. We also have an annual sports event for football and netball. For all Early careers (graduates, apprentices, degree apprentices, placement students) there is the Early Careers events where we get to network with people within out sector (eg. power/rail/etc) and people from all across the UK come to one location - there are exec talks where we get the opportunity to talk to the executive board, team building activities and talks from previous early career candidates and also the Brathay Challenge where we go in cohorts to the lake district and compete against other cohorts.

Yes

Wellbeing of employees is so important, everyone is looked after and given as much support as they need and everyone is listened to. No question is a silly question so you are constantly reminded if you have a question to just ask. They have a good pension scheme. Flexibility of working hours, going to site and working from home to suit your lifestyle. Company car scheme. All equipment is provided by the company - laptop, phone, PPE. The early Careers scheme is so engaging and a lot of fun getting to know others going on the same journey as yourself. Every day is different with learning new tasks and skills, taking on new responsibilities and overcoming challenges.

Be prepared for your interview, have background knowledge of the business and what the role you're applying for is is and what we do day to day. Be confident and be yourself! Ask questions. Dress appropriately - at the end of the day you're going to make a good impression so look smart. Have some planning around general interview questions so you have an idea what to talk around. Make sure when saying you have a skill such as teamwork, you back up what you say with evidence and provide an example.