Trainee Quantity Surveyor Review

My role involves assisting my assigned QS with their day to day duties in managing their projects. I work in rail south, so am based on rail schemes, and am currently working on a wheel lathe and carriage wash replacement scheme in Slade Green. My day-to-day duties involve financial and contractual management tasks, such as processing payments to subcontractors, raising orders for subcontract packages, completing project reports (both internal and for our client), and change management across our projects.

I completed my Level 4 in Construction Quantity Surveying with BAM & Leeds college of building, and having never worked in construction before, I learnt a lot throughout this course. I am still learning new things all the time whilst studying and working at this higher level now. At work, I am constantly developing my skills through more exposure and training opportunities, which is so important at this early stage in my career, knowing I still have so much to learn and experience.

I definitely enjoy my apprenticeship scheme! I have been lucky with the team I have been placed in for my work placement, and know I am lucky to be studying at Leeds College of Building which is the best for our industry. My teachers have been amazing throughout my Level 4 & 6 studies and are always happy to help. I think the opportunity to work alongside studying, is very well suited to my role as a trainee quantity surveyor as there is so much to the role, that both elements are needed.

My apprenticeship is very well organised. I enjoyed the process of completing my level 4 for 2 years, followed by my level 6 over 3 years (which I am 2/3 through). We have block weeks in which we travel to Leeds for our studying and our accommodation is all arranged for us. These weeks are invaluable to the college side of the apprenticeship as it gives us time away from work to solely focus on our studies, which I think has definitely aided my achievement of good grades throughout.

My employer is very supportive of my degree apprenticeship course, allowing me the time away from work to focus on this side of my role, whether it be for the study blocks or study leave for exams. They also attend periodic catch ups with my college representative to remain up to date on my progress within the degree.

Leeds college of building have been amazing throughout my Level 4 & 6 courses. The teachers/lecturers have all been great on our block attendance to Leeds and are always available for help in between these weeks. They are really helpful with drafts and feedback to ensure we are on track with our work.

As someone who had never worked in construction before, I believe the 9 week block before beginning my site placement was really helpful in providing me with background information into the role and industry before the real work started. Having completed the Level 4 & now almost the Level 6, I know that my qualification definitely helps me with my work. Although not all of the subjects seem relevant, I understand why we study them in a holistic way.

There are commercial forums to attend in work, Christmas parties and work events that do take place. Although my team has never been too involved in the activities outside of work, I know they are there if I wanted to attend. We are also granted volunteering days and I have used one of these to do work in a primary school which was fun!

Yes

BAM has been a great place overall to complete my Level 4 & 6 studies, and although it hasn't been perfect, I am happy with my experience overall.

Arrive to the assessment prepared and be yourself.