Trainee cost consultant Review

On a day-to-day basis, my responsibilities include assisting with the preparation and review of cost plans, undertaking measurement and quantity take-offs using CostX, and supporting the production of tender documentation. I have been involved in both pre-contract cost planning and post-contract administration, including carrying out valuations, preparing interim payment certificates, and monitoring project costs with guidance from senior team members.
I regularly attend client meetings, multidisciplinary design team (MDDT) meetings, and project progress calls, where I contribute to discussions on project costs, design development, and procurement activities. I have also engaged with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain quotations and market pricing information to support cost planning exercises.
In addition to technical cost management tasks, I support project administration activities such as organising project information, updating cost reports, and maintaining project documentation. This placement has provided exposure to the full project lifecycle and has helped me develop both my technical quantity surveying skills and professional communication skills through regular interaction with clients, consultants, contractors, and suppliers.

Yes, I was given a significant level of responsibility throughout my placement year, with the amount of responsibility increasing as my confidence and experience developed.
I was trusted to undertake a range of both pre-contract and post-contract tasks, including carrying out valuations and preparing interim payment certificates, initially with support from senior colleagues and then taking greater ownership of the process. I was also involved in preparing cost plans, measurement and quantity take-offs using CostX, producing tender documentation, and obtaining quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
In addition, I regularly attended client calls and multidisciplinary design team (MDDT) meetings, where I was able to contribute to project discussions and gain exposure to decision-making processes. I was responsible for communicating with suppliers, gathering cost information, and supporting the preparation of reports and project documentation.
Whilst senior team members were always available to provide guidance and review my work, I was encouraged to work independently and take ownership of my tasks. This level of responsibility helped me develop my technical skills, commercial awareness, communication abilities, and confidence in a professional environment.

Yes, I have developed a range of new skills during my placement. I have improved my measurement and cost planning abilities using CostX, gained experience in valuations and interim certificates, and developed a better understanding of both pre-contract and post-contract quantity surveying. I have also strengthened my communication skills through attending client meetings, working with project teams, and liaising with suppliers for quotations.

I received a high level of support throughout my placement. From the start, senior colleagues were available to answer questions, review my work, and provide guidance when needed. As I gained experience and confidence, I was given more responsibility and encouraged to work independently, while still having support available whenever required. This balance helped me develop my technical skills and confidence in a professional environment.

The company culture at Arcadis was very positive, supportive, and collaborative. As a placement student, I felt welcomed and valued from the beginning, and colleagues at all levels were approachable and willing to help whenever I had questions.
Arcadis places a strong emphasis on professional development, and I was encouraged to take on new responsibilities while receiving guidance from experienced colleagues. There was a good balance between independent working and support, which helped me build confidence and develop my technical skills.
The general atmosphere was professional but friendly, with plenty of opportunities to work closely with different teams, attend meetings, and contribute to real project work. I found the culture to be inclusive and team-oriented, with a strong focus on learning, collaboration, and delivering quality outcomes for clients.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at Arcadis. It provided me with valuable hands-on experience across both pre-contract and post-contract activities, allowing me to apply the knowledge gained at university to real projects.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the level of responsibility I was given, from carrying out valuations and preparing interim certificates to attending client meetings and contributing to cost planning exercises. I also enjoyed working alongside experienced professionals who were supportive and willing to share their knowledge.
Overall, the placement helped me develop my technical, commercial and communication skills, while giving me a much clearer understanding of the role of a Cost Consultant and the construction industry as a whole.

Yes