Jonathan Gibbon
Trainee Quantity Surveyor – 2nd Year
Day release at University
I joined Balfour Beatty in September of 2004 after completing my A-Levels. I had seen most of my friends go off to University to study full-time degrees. I had decided however that I wanted to link my degree directly to my career. My job with Balfour Beatty allows me to do this as I attend Northumbria University 1 day a week and at the end of the course receive a degree in Quantity Surveying. The part-time degree that I am studying for only lasts 1 year longer than the full-time equivalent. The advantages of doing a degree this way are that Balfour Beatty pay the tuition fees, Balfour Beatty guarantee me a job when I graduate and I gain valuable on the job training and experience whilst working on-site.
The contract I am involved with
At the moment the main job I am involved in is for Network Rail and involves renewing Earthworks alongside the track. This is a very challenging job as working in close proximity to the track poses all sorts of safety and construction problems. The bulk of the works involves re-grading the embankment trackside to a shallower slope to prevent landslides onto the track. At some points the terrain does not allow us to do this in traditional construction methods so soil nailing is being used which is a modern innovative way of embankment stabilisation.
Roles & Responsibilities
My main duties are:
· The set-up and running of some of the Sub-contractors. This involves measuring the amount of work that needs to be done & then contacting appropriate sub-contracters to obtain quotations. As they complete the works & apply for payment it is my job to go out on site & measure the works to ensure the right amount is paid.
· Liaising closely with engineers on site to ensure that any changes to the contract are duly noted & then if necessary it is my responsibility to price these changes. This involves a lot of measuring, so if mid-way through the contract a new structure is required then it is my job to measure the quantities of Concrete, Reinforcement etc. and provide a price for building the extra structure.
· I also assist the Senior Quantity Surveyor in providing valuation to the client, which lets them know in cost terms how much has been done in terms of cost. This requires regular site visits to monitor progress.
Career Progression
Once I have graduated & am a qualified QS I intend to become a RICS chartered surveyor. I receive regular appraisals with the regional commercial director where we plan out objectives & I can give my views on how I can progress.
