This is an example of the experience of a typical student applying for the CMQS degree programme.
Chris Lane, who graduated with an upper second class (2.1) degree in Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying in 1998, tells his story...
| Prior to 1994 | Studied for A' levels |
| Summer 1994 | Gained sponsorship with Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd after attending several interviews. |
| October 1994 | Started first year of Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying degree at Loughborough University |
| Summer 1995 | During summer holiday between first and second year at University worked for Sir Robert McAlpine as a Junior Quantity Surveyor for 10 weeks. Duties being site measurement, assisting engineer with site surveying and setting out, taking-off drawings, assisting in assessing sub-contractor valuations. This was working on a £3 million Army Barracks project, which included new build and refurbishment works. |
| Summer 1996 | After finishing second year at University, commenced year out placement with Sir Robert McAlpine. Based in their London office, I was the sole quantity surveyor/estimator for the Orange Telecommunications projects. We undertook to build the concrete bases and rooftop masts for Orange Cellular Phones covering areas from East Anglia to Dover to the Isle of Wight. Duties included estimating and tendering, site surveys, assisting in the cost control during each project and assisting in the project management of the projects. |
| October 1997 | Returned to Loughborough University to do the final year of the degree programme. |
| Summer 1998 | Graduated with a 2.1. I took 3 months off to enjoy my last time of freedom before commencing my career and went away on holiday and travelled around to visit friends. |
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Training: During my first year (post graduation) with Sir Robert McAlpine, the company developed a five year training programme for all the new graduates, both Quantity Surveyors and Engineers. The first module was a two week residential course at the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) College in Bircham Newton, Norfolk. It consisted of a day training in each construction trade gaining hands-on experience; excavation, steel fixing, formwork, drain laying, concrete pouring, scaffolding, bricklaying, plant and machinery, etc. Each evening we had lectures from McAlpine employees from different departments introducing us to the way Sir Robert McAlpine is structured and how the company runs. During the weekend of the two week course, we were taken to an Outward Bound Team Building centre in Norwich where we were given physical and mental tasks throughout the day to highlight the importance of communication, co-operation and trust within a working team, (see photos). |
| Summer 1998 | Commenced my full time career with Sir Robert McAlpine, based on a
large construction site in Southampton. The project was a 3 year contract for the new
build of a shopping centre and multi-storey car park costing approximately
£175 million. There were 90 Sir Robert McAlpine staff on site controlling a labour force of
approximately 1000 people at its peak, and the Quantity Surveying team consisted of 14
members - our duties included: -
|
| February 2000 | I was transferred to the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean where Sir
Robert McAlpine has an office that controls work throughout the Caribbean. I have been
here 4 months now and work with small team of just 3 surveyors. We all run our own
projects ranging from small works as little as $10,000 up to large projects running into
$10's of millions. The duties of a quantity surveyor out here are similar to that back in
the UK, estimating, sending out tenders/sub-contract enquiries, placing orders, holding
interviews, progress meetings, site surveying, controlling sub-contract accounts, but now
I am also involved with having to show and control the profit/loss account for the
projects I run. I am currently involved with assisting in the settling of a final account
on a Hospital project we finished 18 months ago worth approximately $18 million. I am also
running alongside this the construction of a house worth $675,000. We are continually
bidding for new work and therefore a lot of estimating is involved. We have now entered our rainy season. It lasts from June through to November and although the temperature keeps on rising, as does the humidity, the sun is mainly hidden away by nice big black clouds. Thank god for air conditioning! |
| March 2004 | Transferred to Bermuda |
If you're thinking of applying for the Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying degree
at Loughborough University, and would like to chat to someone about the course,
Loughborough, quantity surveying as a career, or life generally - then get in touch with
Chris Lane in Bermuda. He'll be happy to chat. clane@candw.ky
or chrislane@bcmmca.bm
Alternatively, you could contact any of the CMQS course staff informally, to ask any questions about the course. Try Lisa Swaffield (CMQS Admissions Tutor)