Work+

Applicant
Employer

Apprentice Cost Manager (Quantity Surveyor) AECOM

  • Employer Profile

    AECOM

  • Apprenticeship Type

    Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management > Level 6

  • Positions

    1

  • Location

    AECOM, The Clarence West Building, Clarence Street West, Belfast, BT2 7GP

  • Salary

    £19,000

  • Start date

  • Location Type

    Office

Job Description

Job Summary

We have an opportunity in our Belfast office for a Quantity Surveying apprentice to work within our cost management team, to help provide construction cost management services to our local, regional and national clients in the UK and around the world.

AECOM provides Cost Management services to Clients in both the public and private sector and to organisations in all areas of the Construction Industry including:

·         Commercial – new build, refurbishment and fit out for a variety of public and private sector clients

·         Industrial developments for developers and occupiers

·         Infrastructure schemes, including large scale rail, highways and water projects.

You will also have chance to be involved in all stages of a project; from initial project definition and brief to cost planning, through to procurement, construction and building use. You will have opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients, often working alongside other construction professionals in multi-disciplinary teams. We believe that doing the work itself gives the best opportunity to learn, so you can expect to be given responsibility, and will need to be able to work both autonomously and as part of a team, all whilst receiving the guidance and support to allow you to develop.  As an Apprentice, AECOM will support you on your academic pathway, which would be a graduate degree studied on a day release basis, culminating in your professional qualification.

Job Responsibilities

The Cost Management role we offer can be varied and is dependent on the Client, sector and project we are working for. The role is generally split in to pre and post contract duties, which can include:

Pre-Contract:

·         Cost planning and estimating

·         Attendance at Design / client meetings

·         Assisting senior staff in the preparation of documentation

·         Procuring construction works and managing tender processes

·         Compilation of contract documentation

Post Contract:

·         Attendance at site progress meetings

·         Completion of Valuations

·         Financial reporting

A Quantity Surveying apprentice at AECOM will have the opportunity to assist in all of the above tasks and see projects from inception to completion on site.

Person Specification

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

We are seeking A-Level School Leavers or experienced candidates with the following predicted or secured qualifications:

·         112 UCAS tariff points; this is the equivalent to A-Level B-B-C or BTEC National Diploma DMM (1x Distinction and 2x Merits)

·         GCSE Mathematics & English at Grade 4 (New Structure) or Grade C (Old Structure) or above.

Skills

·         Strong mathematical and analytical skills

·         Desire to work within the construction / property industry

·         Proactive and driven approach to work and creating success

·         Ability to working in a team of diverse individuals to meet common objectives

·         Good organisation and communication skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and willingness to ask for help when needed, as well as support other members of the team

·         Professional manner

·         Full driving license.

Applicable courses

Whilst you are applying to an employer through Workplus you must apply directly to the training providers to secure your place on the apprenticeship course.

Quantity Surveying & Commercial ManagementUlster University

Description

Summary

Quantity Surveyors are construction professionals who manage and control the cost of major construction projects. You will be advising on the economic affordability of projects, typical development costs, procurement, tendering, contractual management, dispute avoidance and resolution, measurement and payment for completed works, ultimately striving to deliver projects within budget.

RICS accreditation provides you with global opportunities, which span key stakeholders throughout the construction supply chain, central and local government and as self-employed practitioners. Your transferable skills will be equally sought after in other industries.

Job satisfaction is a key benefit in this highly rewarding career, contributing positively to the sustainable built environment of the future.

About

Typically 100% of our graduates gain graduate positions on an average salary of circa £28K or enrol in a postgraduate course within 6 months of graduation. The majority confirm their destinations before leaving the programme, so our employability statistics compare favourably to other programmes in the university and any comparable course.

We aim to prepare you to make a positive impact on the economic sector within which you will be employed. Our experienced teaching team are at the cutting edge of the discipline through academic enterprise, providing Continuing Professional Development to industry on topics spanning the likes of standard forms of contract, new rules of measurement and building information modelling. We incorporate these topics into the programme, in addition to mapping the modules against the professional competencies required by the RICS’s Assessment of Professional Competence. You can therefore take advantage of the resources we provide to develop your understanding of procurement, contract administration, data management, estimating and managing costs. You can then apply these tools to any building or civil engineering project of any scale, or to other projects in other industries of similar scale and complexity, like renewable energies or oil and gas. Your skills will embody the core technical competencies that define the quantity surveying profession as well as the soft transferrable skills valued by many key employers.

Fundamental themes of construction measurement, construction technology, law and economics and principles of ethics and sustainability are threaded throughout the four years of study.

Attendance

Six years. Part Time.

Each year based on 2 semesters of 12 weeks with approximately one day dedicated to face to face teaching, in the form of lectures, tutorials, seminars and practicals. Part-time students must find additional time for independent learning and study to complete the necessary assignment workload and prepare for examinations in January and May.

We attempt to timetable all required classes into 1 day per week for each semester, however some semesters require an additional half day of attendance. The day can change from one semester to the next within each academic year. Please check with the Course Director for details.

Start dates

  • September 2023

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Knowledge and understanding of the subject are acquired mainly through lectures, tutorials, directed reading, laboratories, case studies, seminars, and IT based resources. Intellectual qualities are developed through exercise classes/tutorials, coursework assignments, individual and group studio work and simulation exercises. Professional and practical skills are gained through coursework assignments including, laboratory work, problem solving assignments and studio work undertaken individually or in small groups, a group project and an individual final year research dissertation. Basic IT and communication skills are taught in Year 1. These and the other transferrable skills including delivering presentations are developed through coursework assignments including the preparation of reports, problem solving assignments/studio work undertaken individually or in small groups and an individual final year research dissertation.

Assessment of the above is principally through formal closed book examinations, class tests and coursework assignments consisting of reports, essays, individual and group exercises, group projects, oral/poster presentations and an individual final year research dissertation.

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until near the start date and may be subject to change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days of attendance will often be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Postgraduate Masters courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be via one method or a combination e.g. examination and coursework . Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have four learning outcomes, and no more than two items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6 (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Masters degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

Academic profile

A high proportion of teaching staff are experienced chartered surveyors and recognised by Advanced HE as Fellows or Senior Fellows.

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.  The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.  This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.

Modules

Year one

Introduction to the Built Environment

Year: 1

The module presents a wide-ranging overview of the impact of public & private development, statutory legislation, procurement, building design and construction on UK industry and society. It presents the background to the development of professional and industry norms and also challenges a number of orthodoxies.
Module study includes a review of the roles and responsibilities of property and construction professionals in a complex sector, as well as the nature of professionalism in an era of climate emergency.

Domestic Building Technology

Year: 1

This module provides a general introduction to construction technology with specific emphasis on the sustainable construction of small-scale, low-rise buildings.

The module also introduces the factors that affect and systems that control the internal environment of domestic buildings.

Built Environment Economics

Year: 1

This module introduces the student to a range of economic principles and how these are applied in a built environment context. It provides for an appreciation of the importance of market forces, macro and micro economic policy and wider economic indicators such as inflation, interest rates in shaping the design, construction and operation of built environment. Special consideration is given to real estate market cycles and wider construction economics in accordance with the professional body requirements of the RICS.

Digital Construction and Communication

Year: 1

The modern day built environment professional is required to communicate effectively utilising electronic tools with the rest of the project team. This has been mandated by the UK Cabinet Office Construction Strategy, by European Commission procurement regulations and is being followed across the world. This module develops an understanding of the key drivers and barriers to fully implementing Level 2 BIM and points towards the development of level 3 BIM working in the near future. The module develops the foundational skills for internationally recognised BIM Level 2 for the contemporary and future built environment professionals.

Year two

Analytical Methods and Quantification

Year: 2

This module introduces construction quantification (or measurement).

It is designed to enhance numerical and analytical skills and to develop a contextual understanding of construction measurement in practice, the philosophical principles behind measurement and an appreciation of the measurement rule making process.

It will develop from analytical methods to the measurement of simple linear, superficial and cubic generic examples, progressing to the application of measurement of more complex construction related examples and then to the measurement (quantification and description) of simple domestic construction in accordance with NRM2.

Law, Governance and Society

Year: 2

This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of governance and the legal framework in contemporary society. Students examine the interrelationship between governance actors, the legal system and social policy for advancing sustainable development and improving social, economic and environmental well-being.

Procurement Tendering and Administration

Year: 2

This module has been designed to provide you with a comprehensive review of the procurement systems and tendering strategies available to UK construction industry clients. This module has been designed to enhance your ability to provide professional advice to your client on the selection of the most suitable contractor to design/ construction the construction project. Furthermore this module provides you the opportunity to demonstrate the key pre/ post contract administration duties of a professional quantity surveyor.

Construction Contracts

Year: 2

This module has been designed to provide you with an opportunity to review, interpret and apply the express provisions of the JCT and NEC4 standard forms of building contracts. This module further provides you with an appreciation of the contractual duties of the key parties and professionals involved in the contractual management of costs, time and change associated with a construction project.

Year three

Commercial Building Technology

Year: 3

The module enhances the understanding of functions, principles and sustainable methods in the design and construction of buildings, and develops greater awareness of the role of building technology and its interactive nature. Teaching methods include lectures supported by tutorials and case studies.

Quantification and Costing of construction works

Year: 3

The modern day quantity surveyor / commercial manager is increasingly utilising computer applications to quantify and cost construction works. This role is of vital importance to the survival of any construction organisation seeking not only to grow and diversify, but to survive in a competitive market. The module learning provides a detailed understanding of how construction cost estimates are prepared and how strategic tendering procedures are implemented. The measurement undertaken within this module will further develop the contextual understanding of measurement in practice and the philosophical principles behind the the New Rules of Measurement (NRM2) and the important relationship between measurement and cost in construction.

Cost Planning and Design Value Economics

Year: 3

The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the procedures and techniques used in the financial control and management of construction projects. It also explores the synergy between the economy and the construction industry and the implications on critical decision making with relation to design and cost planning of construction projects. There is a key focus on value engineering of projects to achieve best value design facilitated with modern design thinking with regards to building occupation and the whole life value of the project.

Digital Quantification and Commercial Management

Year: 3

The role of the modern-day contractor's quantity surveyor / commercial manager has been innovated by digitalisation. Digital software is increasingly utilised for quantification and costing exercises to support typical commercial management roles focusing on profitability and supply chain management. Quantification software aims to make commercial management efficient and transparent as accurate and detailed measurements can be produced exceptionally quickly compared to manual take-offs.

The module learning will focus on quantification aligned with NRM2 key measurement concepts and principles and their application to commercial management procedures used on construction projects. The module develops problem solving and communication skills and builds upon quantification and costing knowledge gained in previous academic study, enhanced with the application of industry specific software platforms frequently used by Quantity Surveyors.

Year four

Project Management

Year: 4

Construction professionals are regularly involved in managing the construction process from inception to completion, which involves appreciating the balance between time, cost and quality of the project based upon the scope of the works, whilst always maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. This module provides a broad appreciation of the discipline of Project Management and a detailed knowledge and understanding of the concepts of managing the construction client and stakeholders; dealing with supply chain appointments; managing project design; planning the project strategy; managing construction; managing project information and managing project completion and hand over which are paramount to the performance of this role.

Advanced Measurement

Year: 4

Measurement undertaken within this module will be diverse in all respects and will include the quantification and description of complex building and civil engineering elements/structures. Studies will include developing an understanding of the differing measurement rules and methods of measurement and their application.

The module will build upon the knowledge gained in previous academic study with the practical skills developed in industry, thus enabling the student to undertake the set tasks in this module practically and effectively.

Quantity Surveying Project

Year: 4

Quantity Surveyors often function in multidisciplinary environment; having to work with the construction Client, Architects, Project Managers Building Surveyors and Design Engineers.

Therefore, this module prepares the Quantity Surveying graduate for the challenges of working in groups and with other construction related professionals by simulating real life scenarios and challenging them to provide practical solutions.

The module enhances employability by providing a focus on the competencies for those who aspire to work towards achieving chartered status of the RICS post-graduation and continued professional career development and progression generally.

Year five

Research and Dissertation A

Year: 5

This module enables the student to identify and undertake an independent in-depth research study of an area of particular significance relating to the course of study. With guidance, students are responsible for developing research aim and objectives, critically evaluating reference material, and selecting the appropriate methods to achieve the research aim. This module is a mechanism that underwrites and supports evaluative skills, logical thought, and the ability to communicate effectively in terms of verbal and written material. The remainder of the research and dissertation is carried out during a semester 2 module, Research and Dissertation B (BEN511).

Research and Dissertation B

Year: 5

This module follows BEN510 and facilitates students in developing creative, critical evaluative and analytic research skills to enable students to undertake empirical data collection, perform appropriate data analysis, critically discuss findings that will lead to justifiable recommendations and conclusions based upon contemporary research and professional practices.

Construction Economics

Year: 5

This module develops a greater understanding of the modern professional quantity surveying service by examining more advanced techniques used in the financial appraisal and management of projects, and also contemporary issues related to project procurement and management. The key topics include: Value & Risk Management, Cost Modelling, Whole Life Costing, Cost Benefit Analysis, and Advanced concepts of Construction Economics & Management and the effect of the global and local economy on the construction industry.

Award

BSc (Hons)

Validated By

Ulster University

Eligibility

18+ Fully Funded

Entry Criteria

A level

ABB including

A-Level Essential:

one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or Construction.

If not offering any of these subjects the entry requirement is AAA, all subjects considered.

Applied General Qualifications

ABB equivalent - subject required
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction/Civil, Engineering or Applied Science
Award profile of D*DD

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction/Civil, Engineering or Applied Science / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (2019 suite)

Award profile of D*DD

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction/Civil, Engineering or Applied Science / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (2016 suite)
Award profile of DDM

AAA equivalent - no subject required
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 suite)
Award profile of D*D*D

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2019 suite)
Award profile of D*D*D

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 suite)
Award profile of DDD

The Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment accept combinations of A Levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate, 90-Credit Diploma/National Foundation Diploma and BTEC Diploma/ National Diploma.

Irish Leaving Certificate

ABB equivalent
128 UCAS Tariff Points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Course Specific Subject Requirements

This course also requires you to achieve H3 in one subject from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Physics/Chemistry, Biology, Construction or Engineering. If Maths is not being offered as a subject at H3 you will be required to achieve a minimum of H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

AAA equivalent
144 UCAS Tariff Points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

  • View tariff point chart

Scottish Highers

Grades BBBBC to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or Construction.

If not offering any of these subjects the requirement is ABBBB.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades BBC to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or Construction.

If not offering any of these subjects the requirement is ABB.

International Baccalaureate

ABB equivalent
Overall profile is minimum of 27 points (13 at higher level) to include Mathematics and one other science subject at HL. English is also required at grade 4 Ordinary Level.

AAA equivalent
Overall profile is minimum of 29 points (14 at higher level) English and Mathematics is also required at grade 4 Ordinary Level.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

ABB equivalent

Overall profile of 70% in a Science, Science and Technology, Construction or Engineering subject area to include 70% in each of the level 3 modules and to include 40% in NICATS level 2 Maths module (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)

Overall profile of 30 credits at Distinction/15 credits at Merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)

AAA equivalent all subjects considered

Overall profile of 75% to include 75% in each of the level 3 modules and to include 40% in Level 2 NICATS Maths (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)

Overall profile of 45 credits at Distinction (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent).

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Additional Entry Requirements

Additional Entry Requirements

Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 105 credits at level 4 at Distinction in a Construction subject area

HND Year 1 Entry

Pass HND, all subject areas considered. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.

Ulster Foundation Degree
There is no articulated route to year 2 entry.

For further information on the requirements for this course please contact
the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.

Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence

The General Entry Requirements must also be met including English Language minimum GCSE grade C or 4 (or equivalent). Please check the following link http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#ger

Exemptions and transferability

Students normally enter into Year 1.

Transfer may be available between part-time and full-time modes of study at appropriate transfer stages (i.e. level 4 or level 5) in the course.

There is no direct transferability between the surveying related courses within the School.

Direct Entry to Year 3:

In exceptional circumstances, if evidence of previous relevant study can be provided, consideration may be given to entry into the Third year.

Entry to Final Year:

A minimum of one third of the degree must be undertaken at Ulster University, which would require 20 credit points from a year 2 module from the programme to be passed prior to starting final year. Modules passed at other institutions must be reviewed to check alignment with Learning Outcomes from Ulster University's programme. Please contact the Course Director to discuss.

Duration

5

Start Date

Thursday 12 September 2024

End Date

Monday 25 June 2029

Progression Pathway

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