International Women’s Day Blog – Belinda, Trainee Quantity Surveyor

08 March, 2021

How I got to where I am today

I knew I wanted to do an apprenticeship when I was at school, so I was applying to them as I watched all my friends and classmates apply for University. I just knew that wasn’t for me. So, I did my A Levels in June 2018 and explored options at an apprenticeship fair in London. I didn’t have any particular career in mind, so I was carefully looking at each apprenticeship that was offered on that day.

The thought of living away in Leeds for college 2/3 months each year did make me nervous, as I never thought I was going to live away from home for an apprenticeship. But after reading more about the company, they sounded really great. This increased my confidence and I applied.

Focus on strengths

When I found the BAM Nuttall stand, I talked to the representative and she asked me what my strengths are and said how I would be great for this apprenticeship scheme because of my maths skills.

I was accepted onto the programme, starting my Quantity Surveyor Apprenticeship with BAM Nuttall in October 2018, studying at college before working on site, for my Level 3 BTEC. Then in January 2019 I started my first project placement, working for BAM on the British Antarctic Survey’s ‘Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme’. I had no idea what a typical day was like for a Quantity Surveyor, so I was definitely nervous for my first day in the office.

Celebrate success and feel proud

Two years later and the project is well underway. I’m much more confident in my role and my responsibilities are increasing. I‘m now a Trainee Quantity Surveyor and am hoping to be promoted to Assistant QS this year. I’m in my final year of my apprenticeship and will be finishing my HND/NVQ in June.

I’ve had a great start to my career and so far, working with BAM, I would have to say being invited to see the naming of the Sir David Attenborough ship in Liverpool has been the most exciting experience.

Role-models; allies and mentors

I followed a similar path as my Dad, who started an apprenticeship at 17 years old in the engineering field and has worked his way up to be a project manager.

I already had another job lined up for me, to start later in the year, when I heard I’d got through the first stage of the BAM Apprenticeship application. My mum pushed me to go to the interview as if nothing else “it will give you some good interview experience”. At the interview I learnt so much about BAM and what the apprenticeship offers, and I really liked the idea of BAM’s scheme. It made deciding between the two roles really difficult but after many ‘Pros/Cons’ lists I chose BAM. And here we are two years later and I am so happy I made this decision - mums really do know best!

#ChooseToChallenge

I was never put off entering the construction industry. I saw my Dad enjoy a great career in it. And, even though I knew it was a male-dominated industry, I also knew that more men supported change and slowly, more and more women were being accepted in these companies and teams.

I felt I wanted to be a part of that change. BAM gives plenty of opportunities to do this, including their strategic partnership with WISE. I’ve never seen any gender discrimination at work, and I think that definitely reflects BAM and our values.

I’ve also joined one of BAM’s Diversity Networks - Ability@BAM. It is a group for those working at BAM who have a disability. It is a great chance to connect with others and to share our concerns and provide advice to the company for how things can work better. We’re aiming to achieve ‘Disability ‘Confident’ - these are just some of the ways BAM makes sure all our colleagues can collaborate and have access to the same opportunities.

Final word

I think the most important thing for women advancement is that women are treated as equally as their peers and are given the same opportunities as others around them. This also applies for anyone from a minority background. Celebrate #IWD2021.

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