Investigate: Before my visit I found out this about the company

The Nation’s Local Builder. This is their mission statement. A international company started in the UK (Exeter) is trying to ensure they have offices locally in most areas so no one has to travel more than 35 miles to work. This will give the staff good local knowledge of the area.

Observe: While at the company I job shadowed an Employee. This is what happened:

• Employee Name:
• Job Role:

Quality Surveyor: Producing tenders for small works jobs for schools. Working through a tender document item by item to ensure nothing is missed. Working notes used to keep track of pricing each item priced then simple multiplication to arrive at final figure. Very methodical.

Interview: I talked with a member of staff to find out more about their role. This is what I found out:

• Employee Name:
• Job Role:
• Pathway from school to their current position:
  Site Manager – left school wasn’t to work as apprentice Brick Layer. Served time and moved around north east brick laying. Then go more and more responsibility working as deputy site manager then going onto site manger of small jobs before getting where he is now.
• Where do they see themselves in the future:
  

Participate: I took part in a work related activity. This is what happened:

• Description of task:
  Assisted QS on small works jobs. Producing and checking tenders for small works jobs, primarily in schools.
• Notes:
  

Imagine: From the perspective of a student the advice I would give is:

There are lots of opportunities in Construction. There is a shortage in trades men (good tradesmen) contact one of these companies ask if they have apprenticeships schemes when they start and when they need to apply find out as much as possible.

Summarise: The things I have found beneficial from the day(s) in the work environment are:

A good insight into the construction industry and the roles of QS’s, site managers, commercial managers, architects, etc Good insight into what students could get involved in if they go down this route. Also difference between academic students prospects/routes into construction. Can all achieve the same but in different ways.
Was able to establish good links and all staff offered help in the future if needed, just call.