GRAHAM

In this case study we hear from Matthew Thomson, who is a Quantity Surveyor at one of our key employer partners, GRAHAM. Matthew completed his Graduate Apprenticeship in Construction and the Built Environment in 2023.

Please describe what you are employed to do in your current role

GRAHAM is one of the largest UK main contractors with over 1billion pounds turnover. Our expertise is in the following areas: Building, Civil engineering, Interior Fit-out, Facilities Management, Investment Projects.

My role as a Quantity Surveyor, includes (but not exclusively):

  • Ensure subcontracts are financially controlled, to budget.
  • Prepare monthly cost value reconciliation for management
  • Prepare and send out sub-contractor tender packages
  • Check and agree sub-contractor applications and final accounts
  • Prepare and agree main contract final accounts
  • Undertake site visits when required

What you were doing before you started your Graduate Apprenticeship and how did you find out about it?

Before I began my Graduate Apprenticeship, I was studying full time at Heriot-Watt in the Quantity Surveying degree programme while working part time at Tesco as a delivery driver.

As I was already studying quantity surveying at the time and knew this was the career I wanted. So, I thought I would try and gain a Graduate Apprenticeship for my final two years, not expecting to get any but I landed on my feet at GRAHAM!

What was it about the Graduate Apprenticeship that appealed to you the most?

It was definitely the opportunity to learn on the job as well as still gain access to completing and obtaining a degree.

During your degree, how did the Graduate Apprenticeship help you in your job (and your career)?

I think being able to use the studied knowledge and expertise you gain from University and combine that with the learning you do on the job and from colleagues is unrivalled.

Getting the rounded view from University giving you aspects into PQS and main contractors views and how the Quantity Surveyor operates, alongside gaining knowledge in other skills such as site management, health and safety courses, design courses and project management courses, you can appreciate the teamwork required to complete a project successfully.

Since completing your Graduate Apprenticeship, how has your job role and /or career evolved?

I was promoted to assistant Quantity Surveyor from Trainee just before I finished my fourth year in April 2023 before then being promoted again in October 2024 to my current position as a Quantity Surveyor.

I was also nominated for Graduate of the Year at the CIOB Scotland Awards 2024 where I was a finalist. My career has really progressed since graduating where I am now running a £48.65 million pound project with a senior surveyor.

Do you now get involved with mentoring or managing apprentices?

Yes, since graduating I have overseen and helped a few of our Edinburgh-based trainees through their university period and I am currently mentoring two currently studying at Heriot-Watt.

Looking back, how would you sum up your Graduate Apprenticeship experience?

Getting the mix between work and University experiences was excellent and really accelerated my knowledge and performance at work. Don’t get me wrong, it is hard and sometimes challenging and working longer hours. However, it is 100% worth it!

Looking ahead, how do you think your Graduate Apprenticeship will impact your future career?

I think it has already accelerated my career by gaining two promotions since graduating. The knowledge and experience of it all has really made my work life excel and I am now working my way towards my chartership as well.

If someone was considering a Graduate Apprenticeship, what advice would you give them?

I would tell them to 100% bite a company’s hand off to do it! You will come out of it a few years ahead of full- time students with the knowledge you gain at work from doing the job day-to-day and from all the people you meet in the industry.