Why did you choose Tilbury Douglas?
Just from the interviews I had before starting with Tilbury Douglas, I could instantly tell that it was a well-structured, and a very professional company, whilst still being light-hearted and welcoming. They offered a great opportunity and continue to work hard to ensure we get everything we want and need.
Tell us about your apprentice experience.
Being able to learn about construction at university and then apply this knowledge to work is a very proactive way to becoming competent and confident in any industry.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I get to site at around 8am and finish at 5pm, working under a Graduate QS and the Commercial Lead. Also working with other apprentice Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Technical Services Managers and Programmers. I will usually spend the majority of my time working at my desk, sometimes walking site or attending meetings.
Tell us about your day-to-day responsibilities.
Assessing sub-contractors’ monthly payments; tendering new packages of work; taking measurements and applying costs against the changes; feeding this information back to my team; one day a week I will attend university; attending meetings; collaborating with other members of the team.
What are your key achievements/highlights to date?
Acquiring a CSCS card; a Distinction grade in HNC Construction Level 4; completing my SMSTS and SEATS Training Course; becoming a qualified Fire Marshall; being able to work at three very different Fit-Out Projects, with three very different teams.
I’ve had the opportunity of working at many different levels, being responsible for a large variety of tasks, and experiencing a ton of different scenarios.
What attracted you to the construction industry?
The variety of experiences that I am able to be involved in: working with all different kinds of people; on all different types of projects; completing a range of tasks.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The work is challenging and always very different but the most enjoyable is the people I work with. They are passionate about what they do without becoming stressed or over worked and bring enjoyment to the day.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone at the beginning of their journey, what would it be?
Even if you’re a bit unsure about what career path you want to take, this is a great opportunity to build relationships, experience a great deal, gain a huge amount of knowledge and attain qualifications. Then once you have finished this experience, you’ll have a clearer picture of what path you want to go down and still have the time to do it.
What do you see for your future?
In the near future I will complete the project I am currently working on and possibly be moved into estimating, where I will learn the ins and outs of tendering for projects. Not long after this I will be completing my Level 6 Degree in Construction Quantity Surveying (hopefully attaining a good grade). And soon after I can apply to start a Chartership Course. Once I have completed this course and become a Chartered Surveyor, things will really start to open up. Being able to work abroad; becoming the commercial lead on new projects, and generally have more involvement in all departments of the company.
