Building Futures

TRAINEE QS CASE STUDY

Name: Kevin McDonald
Age: 22
From: Glasgow
Training Programme: Trainee Quantity Surveying
University: Glasgow Caledonian

Prior to my role as a trainee, I left school in 2014 and enrolled in an HND at the City of Glasgow College which subsequently led me into 3rd year of university at Glasgow Caledonian. By chance, I heard about the role at CCG OSM: a boy I had gone to college with had been offered a job with CCG six months prior so I had a look on the CCG website and saw there was a Trainee Quantity Surveyor role advertised. I had heard it was a good company to work for so I decided to apply for it and, thankfully, I secured the position.

My daily roles consist of Pre- Contract with such items as Timber Kit Estimates, Sub-contractor procurement, OSM Scope of Works, OSM Order Values, and setting financial targets. I am also involved in the preparation of labour-only and supply & fit payments, the review/valuation of sub-contractor variations, organise sub-contractor meetings, price contract variations, adapt the scope of works as necessary, the preparation and issue of sales valuations/invoices and monthly cost reports. So…quite a lot!

The trainee programme has given me the skills and experience required to be a competent Quantity surveyor and I really enjoy the working environment at CCG OSM. The company is driven and so my work ethic is focused and of course, having friendly work colleagues is always a bonus.

For someone looking at this type of role or taking the jump when looking at university courses, I would definitely say that it is something worth doing. If you are apprehensive about getting into the construction industry in particular, the trainee programme is a good way to learn in your respective discipline whilst also developing other skills crucial to the working environment.