Degree Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review
at Transport for London
Degree Apprenticeship
Construction
London
Review Submitted: July 2021
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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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
My role consists of various tasks falling under Transport for London's 'Commercial' umbrella. These include but are not limited to; cost planning, procurement, cost management, commercial management, contract management, cost forecasting, cost benchmarking, risk management, negotiation, managing supplier relationships, attending contract performance review meetings and general financial management of capital construction works.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
My programme is well structured in terms of the flexibility that is offered to apprentices and the ability to be able to move to different business areas. I feel Transport for London are conscious of my degree study as well and I am provided with time and support to complete my studies along with my day job.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Without a doubt, yes. I knew very little about the construction industry before beginning my sponsored degree programme with Transport for London. Throughout my time to date I have been fortunate enough to work on some great projects, including Crossrail, and have exposure to a large number of business areas.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is well structured. A lot of apprentices aren't always as fortunate in terms of having the flexibility to move to different business areas. Generally I move area every 6 months, which helps me ascertain which business areas I like and those which I am not so keen on. I am aware that not every apprenticeship scheme is structured in quite the same way across the construction industry.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Transport for London are very supportive and accommodating of my studies and my day job. I have allocated sponsors and placement managers who are always happy to provide advice and assistance where required. I feel that my progress is effectively monitored and managed between both the university and my employer.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
London South Bank University benefit from an enormous wealth of knowledge that the lecturers on my course bring to the table. Most have held roles in the construction industry and therefore provide key insights and useful 'real-life' information about the world outside of the lecture theatre. London South Bank University are a well rated university for those studying construction related courses.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I have found that as my role at Transport for London has developed, I have found my degree course not only more relevant but also more useful in supporting my day-to-day activities at work. I have found this is progressive and every module I study I begin to find more applicable to my work related activity.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes. Obviously the pandemic has had a significant impact on the ability to attend work social events, but prior to the pandemic, there were plenty of social activities and sporting events to get involved in. I know that Transport for London operate an internal 5-a-side mid-week league and teambuilding away days were a frequent occurrence.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Transport for London to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Transport for London put their employees at the heart of the business model. They support me in my studies and in my day job and I have been very impressed by the level of commitment to my professional development. Transport for London is also involved in some sizeable capital construction projects which interest me, and for that reason I would recommend them to a friend.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Transport for London?
My biggest tip in applying for an apprenticeship at Transport for London would be in relation to the assessment centre selection day. When you are involved in any group discussion, I can't stress the importance enough of making others feel actively involved and included in group discussions. It is important to promote inclusion and get ensure your point is clear and understood simultaneously in a group discussion environment.
