Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review
at JN Bentley
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Construction
Blackburn, UK
Review Submitted: July 2020
Overall Rating
4.7 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Apprentice Quantity Surveyor - Dealing with subcontractors, giving contractual advice to them. Making sure work/materials are in place for works to go ahead and paying them once work has been completed. Providing a cost to complete every month which shows all the outgoings on a project. I then create applications for payment which is the money that we bring in which is in line with the completion of a project. I also have regular meetings to discuss all this with other QS's.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my apprenticeship, I appreciate the time that gets put into the programme, this is from JN Bentley and especially Learning Skills Partnership. However I believe it was more beneficial doing the block week course which was the case pre COVID 19. It changed to a one day a week course from working at home. I believe its more difficult doing the course from home but that can be helped during this situation but LSP have done everything they can to make sure the course carries on.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed lots of new skills since starting my apprenticeship, these vary from quite a wide range. The first skill that has improved the most is probably my confidence, this is due to dealing with lots of different kinds of people from different companies. Another skill that has improved is my team work, this is from working in a team quite often on site and at home through regular meetings through Microsoft teams etc.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I'd say my programme is very well structured, we have dates set in place for when tasks need completed by and all made well aware of when they are. If something is left uncertain our tutor is very helpful and easily contactable so everything is made clear straight away. We have a website called e-assessor that we use so it makes it easy to be organised with all your work as it all gets uploaded to the same place.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Support is always there, I have never been left not knowing what to do as theres always someone you can go to speak to. This is made even easier with online working because people are only a message or an email away. We have platforms in place which makes it easy to speak to whoever you need to. I have a line manager, a mentor and a buddy if I am ever in any doubt.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Support is definitely there when I need it, reviews are often done about myself meaning that I am getting checked up on. When I need support I would just email or ring my tutor Bob, he gets back to you quite fast so I am never left struggling with anything. I spend one full day a week with my tutor so we have time to go through anything that I need help with and even if I need to speak to him before that day I can do.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I believe it helps me perform much better in my role, it has taught me the foundations of my job which give me a much better understanding in a day to day role. Before starting this apprenticeship I was blank minded about the construction industry but now I feel like I know quite a lot about it in such a small time. The course has given me more understanding about the construction side that takes place on side, this helps me understand why I order the materials/subbies that I do.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
The only one that I am aware of is football on a Wednesday night, this takes place around the corner from my office. I have only been a couple of times due to having a bad back which is keeping me away from getting involved but we do have a gym and table tennis table in our office and Bentleys would be more than happy for you to stay in there once you have finished work and do what you want to do.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend JN Bentley to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They're a good company to work for, they put a lot of time into apprentices and put you on a good track for the future. The qualifications that they provide can open a lot of doors which puts you in a good position. I have particularly enjoyed the variety of work they have, I have been on multiple sites and it is good to move round and see what is happening on them all
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to JN Bentley?
Research what the company is all about, this shows you're interested in what they have to offer and that you want to join a growing team and be part of a positive change. Part of my own interview I came across quite well because I read into what Bentleys are all about and this showed the interviewer I am very keen. Another thing that I believe is important is to just be calm, this can be easier said than done but they only want to hear the best out of you.
