At NBM, apprenticeships are an important part of how we develop people within the business. Combining university study with real project experience gives our apprentices the opportunity to build practical skills while learning in a live working environment.
During National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with our current apprentices and asked them about their journey so far — why they chose Quantity Surveying and the apprenticeship route, what they’re enjoying most about their course, what a typical day looks like, the highlights so far, and what advice they’d give to someone considering the same path.
Here’s what they had to say.
Why Quantity Surveying — and why an apprenticeship?
I chose to pursue a career as a Quantity Surveyor because of the variety of interesting projects you get to be involved in and the balance between office-based work and being out on site. It’s a role that keeps you engaged and constantly learning. I opted for the apprenticeship route as it allows me to gain hands-on experience while working toward a recognised qualification. For me, learning on the job has been the best way to understand the role and build real industry skills.
What are you enjoying most about your course?
The part I enjoy most about my course is learning more about the responsibilities of a QS and the impact the role has on the success of construction projects. Seeing how everything connects has been really rewarding.
What does a typical day look like?
A usual day starts with checking emails and messages, then getting into tasks such as measurement, contract administration, or supporting the team on ongoing projects. Every day is different, which makes the job interesting.
What advice would you give to someone considering a QS apprenticeship?
If you’re considering a QS apprenticeship, I’d definitely encourage you to go for it. It’s a career that is evolving all the time, offers a lot of opportunities, and allows you to gain both a qualification and four years of valuable experience at the same time.
What do you get up to outside of work?
Away from work, I enjoy going to the gym, watching my football team, and spending time with friends.
Why Quantity Surveying — and why an apprenticeship?
I chose Quantity Surveying because I found the financial side of construction interesting, as well as being involved in a project from pre-contract stage through to completion. I enjoy understanding how costs are managed and controlled at each stage of a project. The Graduate Apprenticeship route felt like the best option for me because it allows me to gain valuable, hands-on industry experience while still achieving the same qualifications over four years.
What are you enjoying most about your course?
In second year, the course has become a bit more practical and digitally focused, which I find both more engaging and relevant to the role of a modern Quantity Surveyor. These modules give a better insight into how the job is changing with the increased use of technology in practice. I find this approach more enjoyable as I can relate it to what I do in the office more than other modules.
What does a typical day look like?
There isn’t really a typical day, as I am involved in a wide range of tasks that can change day to day. This can include assisting with cost management, measurements, valuations, and supporting senior team members. The variety in tasks that I can be given each day keeps it interesting and helps me develop different skills.
What’s been the best part of the apprenticeship so far?
The best part of the apprenticeship has been attending site visits and project meetings. These experiences allow me to see other perspectives of different teams in a construction project and how decisions are made in practice. I also enjoy getting to see construction progress on site and understanding more about how the whole team must work together for the project to work.
What do you get up to outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and socialising. I also like to watch movies and relax in my spare time.
Why Quantity Surveying — and why an apprenticeship?
I worked on site for six years before going back to study as a mature student. From that experience, Quantity Surveying felt like the part of construction I’d enjoy most because it mixes technical knowledge with the financial side of projects. I originally started university full time, then joined NBM on placement. After that, I moved into part-time study alongside work, which made sense for me because I could apply what I was learning straight into real projects and build experience at the same time.
What are you enjoying most about your course?
I study at Glasgow Caledonian University. I enjoy learning how the theory links directly to what happens on live projects, especially around cost planning and procurement. Being a mature student also helps because I’ve seen how projects run on site, so the course content makes more sense in a real-world context.
What does a typical day look like?
I’m mainly office-based. A typical day involves working on cost tender reports, take-offs and billing. Some days are more numbers-focused, while others involve working with project teams or reviewing contractor information. It’s a good mix of technical work and communication.
What’s been the best part of the apprenticeship so far?
The best part has been gaining real industry experience while studying. Moving from site work into a professional role and seeing projects from the commercial side has been a big step forward for me.
What do you get up to outside of work?
Outside of work, I mainly enjoy going to the football and spending time socially. It’s a good way to switch off from work and study.
Supporting and developing future Quantity Surveyors remains a key focus for NBM, and we’re proud of the progress our apprentices continue to make.
