As a quantity surveyor I am responsible for the management and recording of the financial movement on a construction project.
I ensure that the project costs are being monitored correctly and cash flow is being met throughout the construction phase of a project.
I’m also involved with the management of subcontractors working on the project, ensuring that they deliver to the right standard and are paid the right amount for the work they complete.
I get to see the building progress daily and gain first-hand experience of the technology used in delivering a successful project
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Based | Edinburgh |
| Employer | Laing O’Rourke |
What education route did you take from secondary school to where you are today?
After my final year of secondary school, I attended Carnegie College in Dunfermline, studying a HNC Architectural Technology. After I gained my HNC I was accepted onto the second year of the BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Graduating with a 2:1, I was then accepted onto Laing O’Rourke’s graduate development programme: a two-year programme aimed at developing Laing O’Rourke talent. I am now entering the second year of the programme.
I believe that the construction industry can cater to all individuals regardless of background or education
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Being based on-site, I get to see the build progress each day and gain first-hand experience of the technology used in delivering a successful project.
What is the highlight of your day?
My role is very diverse so every day is different. If I had to pick a favourite activity, it would be reviewing the legal documentation involved in the delivery of a construction project.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in construction?
The construction industry involves a wide variety of disciplines, from on-site operatives to construction managers and engineers. To fill these positions we need a diverse group of people. Therefore, I believe that the construction industry can cater to all individuals regardless of background or education.
Is there anything else you would like to share, which would inspire others to follow their chosen career path?
I wasn't able to get the right level of education for direct entry to university from secondary school. However, I wasn't disheartened and found an alternative route to get to the position I am in now. If I was to give one piece of advice, it would be that there are many different routes that lead to the same outcome.
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Quantity surveyor
A quantity surveyor works out exactly how much a building costs to construct and is in charge of keeping a close eye on finances, from the first budget to the final bill.