Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

I was employed to the rail (CRSA) and generally, I work on the subcontract packages and forecasting. However, the role is inclusive and gives me opportunities to work on change controls, conflict management and stakeholder management to name a few.

I feel that Balfour Beatty has provided me with a vast amount of opportunities and are always looking for ways to support their apprentices and push them in their respective fields. The only difficulty I have found with my working group being Rail the lack of ability to rotate into different disciplines, this would be helpful with working toward a full knowledge base of not only Civils (Rail)

I find my programme very enjoyable, everyone is a friendly face and having gone from 'casual' working to a professional environment the transition has been seamless. Furthermore, my line manager and the senior team pushed me and gave me helpful constructive criticism while allowing me to make mistakes and learn from them.

The structure and organisation are difficult within my working area simply due to the high intake of apprentice quantity surveyors to line managers who weren't made aware of our employment prior. The structure has seen continuous improvement but it was initially difficult. This has been the same with my learning provider finding that some of my modules have left much to be desired while others have been extremely well delivered.

The support from my employer has been to the highest standard. Having been in an apprenticeship previously and comparing it to now the line managers, mentors and colleagues have been top-tier. They have all been just at the end of the phone to support or point me in the right direction for any mistakes I may have made and the working environment is to the highest standard.

My training provider has been very mixed, dependent on the lecturer the provider has either been fantastic or left a lot to be desired. Certain modules have been delivered with a lack of understanding felt by the whole cohort and little support to any questions. On the other hand, other modules have been delivered in a positive and extremely helpful manor.

The qualification is a great insight into potential tasking that I will undertake further in my career. It also provides me with ideas on how to improve our current process. On the whole, I feel it provides me a great look at the roles and responsibilities of a quantity surveyor.

My work does provide limited opportunities for extra-curricular activities such as volunteering etc. But the networking events are constant and very good to attend, there is at least one every two months and the vary in location and type of venue with familiar and new faces to talk to.

Yes

The opportunities that Balfour Beatty has given me, on top of the qualifications and space for growth have been very encouraging. Furthermore, there are very visible pathways to career progression with a feeling of limitless expanse as long as you work hard and put your mind toward promotions and growth.

The main thing would be being yourself, the roles need to suit your personality and what you are good at. There are a host of opportunities and presenting yourself in a positive yet headstrong and confident manor in my opinion is key. Welcome opportunities to network as that will accelerate your growth and look at individuals within the company as not only colleagues but friends that you make along the way.