Placement Quantity Surveyor Review

Great site to work on in. Large on site office with over 200 permanent employees. The joint venture allowed me to mix with Carillion staff also and enables you to see how the two companies differ in their methods. The people were friendly and worked with the best interests of the project. Lots of charity events organised along with social events too. The site was between 70 and 85 minutes drive from home which was tiring but there was no pressure to be the first person there and the last person to leave. The start of the placement there was limited work to complete but this picked up as I became more involved and integrated into the commercial team.

The whole project is centered around being a JV team. I was trusted with tasks and could ask for help when required. Weekly team talks by the director ensures everyone is involved with what is happening and monthly awards were given out in recognition of good practice , initiative etc. I was not treated differently to other employees on site.

I was assigned a 'buddy' on the first day who's desk was next to mine. She gave me pieces of work and guidance on a day to day basis. I reported to a Commercial manager who went through the paperwork and procedures on my first day and organised me to partake in seminars and training courses to help towards my RICS CPD hours whilst on placement. Employees were happy to explain anything that was new to me whilst on placement.

At the beginning of my placement there were days where there was little work to do. However once I settled in I was trusted with more tasks and found myself being given work much more frequently as opposed to having to ask for it. I was not put in a stressful position where I was given too much work and throughout the majority of my placement had a steady flow.

At first responsibility was low but as I became more comfortable in my placement I was assigned as the lead QS and budget owner of various subcontract packages and work catagories. This involved verifying works done and approving payments necessary. Employees would ask me to carry out tasks on their behalf alongside work I was assigned from the commercial manager. I was left to complete work individually most days.

Placement experience is invaluable for my degree. Things you learnt before placement are put into practice and allow you a better understanding. The skills and knowledge learnt on placement help you pick up things quicker back at university and allow you to relate things learnt in lectures to real life experiences. Placement also allows you to consider ideas for your dissertation and conduct research and interviews in advance.

General atmosphere was good. The open plan office ensured that a range of professions mixed together and worked together collaboratively. I was placed near other placement students, graduates and apprentices allowing people of similar age available to talk to. The emphasis on being one big JV team helped ensue the office was not a hostile environment.

The placement was well set up as I was expected upon arrival and my computer and pass etc. was ready and waiting for me. I was given a travel allowance for the placement however this allowance did not differ regardless of how far from home I was placed. This was slightly annoying as I had to cover some costs myself whereas people closer to home would be essentially receiving additional money. A travel allowance based on distance would be a fairer set up. Apart from the travel allowance everything was well organised and my needs were met throughout placement.

I attended a monthly seminar hosted by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association as well as additional, more intermittent seminars. I attended training events on site such as LEAN and attended Morgan Sindall courses the same as any other employee. These seminars etc. helped me to acheive my 48 hours CPD training for my RICS alongside developing my understanding of the industry in general.

Graduate salary very pleasing and the company has its own graduate programme including RICS enrollment. As one of the major contractors in the UK I see it as one of the best companies to start working for in the construction industry as the wide scope of work involved will allow further development. The only factor that would make me reconsider is how far from home I would be required to work as lodging during the week does not appeal to me.

Lots of apprentices and graduates etc on site. Good to talk to on a daily basis however the biggest social scene was with the employees you worked with more closely. The fact that the site wasn't close to much limited after work plans however if organised I would attend. The site in general organised plenty of events and other placement colleagues friendly and welcome.

After work meals and drinks in local areas moderate. Decemeber Ball very cheap for what was offered. A hotel would be required if I chose to stay over / drink as I lived too far away for a taxi etc. Living expenses are covered if you choose to stay by site if you qualify as living far enough away to not commute.

Evening meals and drinks with colleagues as far as nightlife stretched. Area quite rural.

Many. 5 a side, film club, weight loss and fitness club, organised team events such as race night, charity sports matches plus more. All events emailed round the office as open invites. Alongside these employees from your work section would also organise get togethers. If activities were late they were less appealing to me on a regular basis as I would know I would be driving for a long time and arriving home late.