Based out of the Kidlington Depot, Liam is currently studying towards his BSc in Quantity Surveying at the University College of Estate Management, where he spends one day per week remote studying. The other four days are split between the workplace in Kidlington and at home working as part of the Waste Management Quantity Surveying team.
I saw this apprenticeship as a great way to combine my A-Levels in Maths, Physics and Economics with the practical experience I'd gained working on building sites. Getting a RICS-accredited BSc in Quantity Surveying while learning skills like project management and cost estimation from both academic theory and hands-on work experience is exactly what I wanted. I was drawn to the company's strong corporate values and inclusive working environment. It's an ideal opportunity to begin my Quantity Surveying career with a progressive organisation.
Growing up in Oxfordshire, my passion for Maths and Economics developed through my GCSEs and A-levels. Working as a labourer on construction sites shaped my career direction, as conversations with the business owner during commutes taught me about project costs, trade management, and construction business operations. This experience sparked my interest in quantity surveying.
Outside work and studies, I play football and follow the stock markets. My experiences travelling and having family abroad have given me diverse perspectives that benefit my personal and professional growth.
A typical working day as a Thames Water Quantity Surveyor Apprentice is both busy and rewarding, offering valuable opportunities for growth and development. I gain real-world experience through professional mentoring with a fantastic team, with opportunities to attend construction sites for physical measurements and support the preparation of project cost estimates, payment applications, and contractual documents.
A key part of the role involves processing payment applications on Salesforce and ensuring accurate financial reporting. Combining hands-on work with my virtual degree studies provides a great mix of practical and classroom learning. While it takes strong time management and dedication to balance everything, the great support from my colleagues and clear career progression makes this a rewarding journey for me.