Gary Bone

NAME: Gary Bone
JOB: Assistant quantity surveyor
EMPLOYER: Vinci Construction UK Ltd
QUALIFICATION: BSc civil engineering quantity surveying, Nottingham Trent University

How I got my surveying job

While I was at university I saw the sponsored student scheme publicised on the Vinci website and sent in my CV and application form. This was followed by an assessment day where I was interviewed, observed working in groups and asked to undertake competency tests.

My role as an assistant quantity surveyor

I’m currently working on the development and refurbishment of King’s Cross Station in London. My responsibilities include producing enquiries for subcontractors, analysing subcontractor tenders, recording costs and generating payment applications. While the project is still at the planning stage I am based at head office in Watford but I will move to on-site offices when construction starts.

Having joined the graduate training scheme I go on two extra training courses per year in addition to the standard commercial and health and safety training that all QSs are expected to undertake. Next I plan on taking my APC so that I can become professionally qualified and in the long term I would like to become a commercial or project manager.

I like...

... the variety and fast pace. I have only been here for a short time but already I have many different tasks to undertake and never have the chance to get bored.

The tough bit is...

... the travel time and costs and also the potentially long hours, depending on the project.

Key surveying tools

1. Phone – to call subcontractors.
2. E-mail – for keeping colleagues up to date and dealing with subcontractors.
3. Microsoft Excel – we use spreadsheets constantly to build up and record costs.