Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Review

Subcontract management. - Since commencing my apprenticeship in 2022 I have taken on the Management of a variety of different subcontract packages which included, traffic signs, fencing, road markings and studs, CCTV monitoring, HADDMs surveys and reports, existing drainage surveys and temporary road markings. Whist looking after these subcontracts I dealt with everything from applications and payments to dealing with change accounts and processing final accounts, I also assisted the more senior QS’s and commercial managers in internal forecasting and carrying out defined cost audits of some of the larger packages. Whilst managing my own packages I worked to ensure that we follow all contractual processing meeting the deadlines required by the contracts, in terms of contractual experience I have mostly delt with NEC 4 Engineering and Construction contracts working on Option A, B and helping with other Option C contracts. To aid in the management of these subcontract packages we rolled out the use of CEMAR which is an innovative solution to help manage subcontracts through keeping a simple and easy to use system.
Change control – Dealing with a variety of subcontract package has allowed me to gain a lot of experience in change control, this has included assessing compensations events, issuing works instructions and early Warnings. in looking after the change account for my subcontracts it was my responsibility to keep a change register of all changes and monitor costs for additional works, this meant me assessing CE’s ensuring that they are applicable and that the costs claimed are valid entitlements and not already part of the subcontractor’s scope of works.
Forecasting – Forecasting is a important part of internal reporting for construction projects as it allows the company to monitor spend, my previous experience in forecasting includes monthly forecast reports for my subcontract packages highlighting any in month variances and key changes to programmed dates. Whilst carrying out monthly forecasts I was also expected to update outturn cost and produce a monthly package review form namely for the traffic signs package, this involved working closely with the engineer in charge to highlight in month progress, potential issues and any commercial concerns we have.
Tender and procurement – I have had experience in carrying out tenders within my role this has namely included working with the package managers to develop a scope of works and produce the documentation required prior to tender, once this information was finalized, I uploaded the documentation onto Sourcedogg which is a tool that can be used to improve the procurement process. Once the tenders were submitted, I then carried out a tender comparison upon which the results were presented to the senior team members to select a subcontractor.
Final Accounts - I have had expiring on produce final accounts for subcontracts which has included producing a final account pack to present to the client for acceptance and agreeing the final account figures with the subcontractor themselves

My programme is well structured I am off work and studying on Tuesdays, my lessons are delivered online and I have plenty of time to complete assignments.

My Employer offer me lots of support and I am always able to ask for help if needed from my line manager and work colleagues, there is also a designated early careers team which are in place to help support development and future aspirations.

Overall the training provider delivers the sessions to a good standard, i can also email the tutor or support team and ask for help if needed.

Overall my qualification has helped me gain experience that i may not have learnt from my role due to undertaking different process on computer based software, i have learnt about different types of contract too.

Yes

Yes i would recommend working for Costain they have been able to support me in the work place and support my professional development, everyone in the work place is friendly and willing to help if needed.