BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management
Build your future in construction and develop valuable skills in management, building technology and sustainability, on this CIOB accredited degree.
Paige Gough
Paige is an assistant quantity surveyor at Barratt Homes - she shares insight into her role as a QS and how her degree helped her career.
Job title:Assistant Quantity Surveyor
Employer:Barratt Homes (BDW Southampton)
Studied:BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management
Tell us a bit about your role and what a typical day looks like for you
No two days are ever the same in my role; however, a typical day would be managing the commercial aspect of sub-contractors who are currently on live projects that I am responsible for. This might include payments, variation agreements, price increases/decreases, or evaluating their workmanship/labour. On projects which are at the tender stage, I would either be requesting tender quotations or comparing the ones I have received to ensure fair and competitive tendering, and then awarding packages to the chosen sub-contractors.
What do you enjoy most about your role, and what are the biggest challenges?
Negotiation of pricing with sub-contractors is one of the things I enjoy most, and also the fact that I get to speak to such a variety of people day to day. One of the biggest challenges is the mitigation of impact from price increases/inflation/market fluctuations so the project is still being delivered within the project margins desired/targeted.
Quantity surveying is for you if you enjoy working with numbers, have an analytical brain, and enjoy building relationships with a diverse collection of people.
How do you feel your studies at Solent helped prepare you for your career?
I gained valuable experience and skills throughout the course which I can apply to my current work, as well as learning discipline, how to meet target deadlines, and also a strong work ethic to ensure I'm achieving the most I possibly can.
What advice would you give to those wanting to follow in your footsteps?
If you want to work within a profession that is complex and diverse then construction is for you – every day there is something different to manage and something new to learn!
Start making your own waves
Course studied
BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
Learn the fundamentals of construction cost management - from estimating project bids, to analysing cashflow and managing contracts - vital skills to start your career as a quantity surveyor.
Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship
Through this apprenticeship course you’ll gain a detailed understanding of how to manage costs on a construction project. This apprenticeship is focused on meeting the needs of main and sub contractors.
BA (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology
Build your architectural career with a professionally accredited degree that delivers industry specific skills and experience.
