We've interviewed Summer Robinson - she is part of the Gardeners' House construction team, working as a trainee quantity surveyor.
She has kindly taken the time to answer some questions we put to her- read on for a wonderful insight into her job.
Name: Summer Robinson
Job: Trainee Quantity Surveyor
Who do you work for and how long have you worked with them?
Tom Blewett at RBQS Ltd, I have been working for Tom for just over a year.
Do you live in Cornwall?
I live in Cornwall, in the Falmouth area
How long have you been doing this job?
One year
Is this your first job?
This is my second full time job.
Tell us more about your apprenticeship - how long does it last, what is it in, what do you get at the end of it?
My apprenticeship is 4.5 years and then If I get a higher grade, I can then go onto doing my chartership which is a year.
My course is a Bachelor’s degree in Chartered Quantity Surveying at UCEM (University College of Estate Management). At the end of the course, I get awarded a degree which then allows me to become a member of the RICS if I do my chartership.
I can then continue my career in quantity surveying or develop into another area of construction such as project manager, construction manager, planning and development surveyor.
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Was there a reason you thought the apprenticeship route was the best option for you?
I thought doing an apprenticeship was the right path for me because I wanted to be able to experience the real-life field of work whilst also learning everyday about the job.
It has helped me gain so much knowledge that helps me understand my university work. Being able to experience the job day to day whilst learning is an incredible opportunity which I think more people should definitely go for. It has allowed me to earn a salary whilst I’m learning in a job I really do enjoy.
It is futureproofing me in a way as I know I won’t be in any debt and I have a secured job in the career I want to pursue. Another benefit is that I will have gained so much experience in the field of work that someone wouldn’t have if they just went to university.
What do you love most about your job?
One thing I love most about my job is that I get to experience so many different types of projects, varying between commercial and residential builds.
Being able to go to lots of sites every month for progress meetings is by far the thing I love most. I get to see how the projects are progressing and seeing what works have been completed as it always seems to expand my knowledge every time.
What is the most interesting or rewarding thing about your job?
The most rewarding this is being able to have discussions with the clients. On a few previous jobs, I have been able to discuss with the client about my personal ideas for the project such as outside space and garden design.
Seeing them impressed with your ideas, especially if they do incorporate them into the design, it’s a huge achievement.
What does your job involve?
My job manages the financial aspects of construction projects. My tasks and responsibilities vary day to day whether I am in the office or on site.
Some tasks include: producing valuations and progress reports, going to progress meetings, monitoring expenses, measuring drainage, etc.
How long will you be working on the Gardeners' House project? We are due to complete construction works in May 2025.
What do you think about building projects like these, where it's a heritage restoration project and you are bringing a building back to life? Is it rewarding?
The thing I like most about heritage restoration is that you are repurposing existing buildings giving them a new use whilst keeping the heritage story
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Quantity surveying has often been perceived as quite a male environment - is this your experience? What are your thoughts on this?
Since working in construction, I’ve worked within two roles in construction, a quality controller, and currently a trainee quantity surveyor.
In my experience the industry comes across to be predominately just male, but I believe now women are becoming more aware of the industry and training in all departments of construction which is increasing gender diversity.
I would highly recommend more women take an eye into all the different paths you can take in the industry, as within my experience I have been treated very equally and have been shown a great amount of respect throughout the years.
What would you say to encourage anyone to consider this as a career option?
I would encourage people to seek this career for a few reasons: the growing demand for skilled quantity surveyors is high, which would provide job security and a great load of opportunities all over. You get a great office to site ratio, meaning you can experience all the technical side and the construction of projects.
