Quantity Surveyor Review
at Equans UK & Ireland
Degree Apprenticeship
Construction
Kingston upon Thames, UK
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
3.6 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.2/5
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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 involves the measuring, pricing, and cost management of multiple repairs and maintenance contracts in London and the South East. This includes working closely with contracts managers and engineers for the successful completion of projects, travelling to sites, liaising with subcontractors and suppliers, as well as reporting on the commercial aspects of the contracts.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
My enjoyment of my programme has varied over the past 5 years. I have enjoyed the differences and contrasting experiences of working and studying together. Overall, I enjoy the teams I work with, but some recent changes have added pressure that have reduced the enjoyment of completing my studying while trying to continue to engage with my team members.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I began my role almost as soon as I left school so I have learnt many new skills over the past 6 years. I have learnt a variety of transferable skills, such as drafting reports, presenting, communication, and general office-based skills. In this time I have also learnt the specific skills involved in quantity surveying, such as cost planning, measuring, cost management, negotiating etc.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
My programme is well structured: I often engage with my manager regarding my progress progression and future progression. In my role, there has not been much formally structured training, I have mostly learned from practice and observation. My degree was often disorganised however by the University, but I received support from my manager that allowed me to work my flexibly and keep up with the academic challenges.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There is a really positive attitude towards supporting me and I am comfortable speaking to HR or my manager to receive this support. I have often had support in my job role and when I needed additional time off for studying. However, sometimes the support can be slow to be provided.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I don't have much guidance or contact with an advisor regarding my education, but generally I enjoy this independent approach. I have sometimes spoke to colleagues and asked questions that could help my education, however I strongly feel like my training is very distinct and separate from my work.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I feel that the skills I have received in my qualification are beneficial to my role, but are often under-utilised due to the nature of my role, and the lack of alternative tasks that are available for me to challenge myself with. I try to use what I have learnt into practice as often as I can.
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
We have volunteering opportunities, but many are too far away for me to attend. I have been to some social events and teambuilding days - I would like there to be more. I have also attended a few networking events. I think the company could do more to organise and facilitate more things like these.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Equans UK & Ireland to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have actually already referred a friend to a similar programme at Equans. I believe the salary for trainees is fairly competitive, and while it can be demanding, what is expected from you is not excessive. The culture is very respectful and forward-thinking, which makes it an enjoyable business to work for.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Equans UK & Ireland?
I would advise them to be patient with the application process, as it can take a while. A good tip would to be to speak to someone in a similar role to ensure you understand the role that you are applying for so it is right for you, which will make the interview very straightforward. The onboarding process could be more informative and be done at different levels for a better experience.
