Daisy, Trainee Quantity Surveyor

How long have you worked for Wessex Water?

Three and a half years.

How did you apply?

I attended the Wessex Water open day in 2019 and did a speed interview which fast-tracked me to the assessment centres. After completing an online assessment and attending two assessment centres, I was offered a job at Wessex Water for another position. I then received an email offering me an opportunity to have an interview for a Trainee Quantity Surveyor position which I later accepted.

What attracted you to Wessex Water in the first place?

Wessex Water offered a variety of apprenticeships and that’s what I was looking for at the time as I didn’t want to do the traditional route of going to university straight after doing A-levels. I was unsure about the apprenticeship I was after so I applied for all of them, and the early careers team found the right job to suit me.

What does your job entail and what do you most enjoy about the role?

I enjoy that my job is varied and different every day. I assess contractors' and consultants’ payments every month and ensure these are processed on time. I procure and tender for a large process plant we need on-site which involves the NEC suite of contracts. I carry out monthly forecast updates to ensure the costs of the scheme are in the correct month to reflect the programme. I regularly meet with the project managers and site team to ensure I have the latest information and I’m made aware of any changes that may affect the value of the scheme.

Tell us about your team and what you like most about working with them.

We have a large commercial team, consisting of about 40 to 50 Quantity Surveyors (QS), ranging from Commercial Managers, Managing QSs, Senior QSs, QSs and Trainees. I’m currently working in the treatment team where I’m the only Trainee, but I work with very knowledgeable Senior QSs who are always happy to answer any questions I may have. I often speak to the other QSs in the other teams as we are one big team, and everyone has their area of expertise. I really enjoy working with such a variety of people and learning new things from them.

Why do you think Wessex Water is a great place to work?

I think Wessex Water is a great place to work because ever since I started, I have received continued support from my team and my managers. I feel very lucky to receive such great training and to be able to talk to and work with such knowledgeable people. Also, working with other areas of the business expands my knowledge of the water industry and develops my understanding of construction and engineering which therefore aids my studies for my quantity surveying and commercial management degree.

What do you enjoy most when not working?

Outside of work, I’m an aerialist and I like to spend my time hanging upside down in aerial silks and spinning around at pole fitness classes. Also, I’m an avid crocheter and make all sorts of things for my family and friends. During the covid pandemic I had a very successful Etsy shop, where I sold all the crocheted items I had made. At the moment I am in the process of writing my own crochet patterns.