Ben Pearson is a Trainee Quantity Surveyor for Henry Boot’s construction division in Sheffield and has just completed his BSc (Honours) Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship.

“I have developed strong knowledge of the construction industry and being an apprentice has made me so much more confident.”

“My dad has always worked in construction, so I sometimes went to work with him, but I didn’t fancy a job ‘on the tools’ so he recommended Quantity Surveying. I saw a role advertised at Henry Boot which turned out to be a degree apprenticeship, so I started working for them.”

“I started off mainly procuring and managing subcontractors. As I’ve progressed in my role, I’ve been given more responsibilities and got involved with the financial management of projects undertaking cost-value reconciliations and forecasting subcontractors’ final accounts.”  

“I have developed strong knowledge of the construction industry and being an apprentice has made me so much more confident as I have been able to apply academic knowledge and apply it on real world projects. I have also developed an inquisitive mind which has in turn helped my work mentor to become a better Quantity Surveyor as it’s made him think more about his role. Questioning the way we work and do things everyday made us rethink a number of tasks and procedures and become more efficient.”

“A degree apprenticeship is not an easy option. At first, I found it hard to balance work and study. However, I really enjoyed learning skills through academic study that can be directly applied to my place of work. I also received a lot of support at Hallam from my Academic Adviser, Work-based Learning Coach and my work mentor at Henry Boot. I really felt supported and able to address any issues straightaway, so they didn’t affect my progress.”

“Now I have completed my apprenticeship degree, I have a level of knowledge and confidence which means that I can work on different and higher value projects. I do like the contracts side of things so that’s something I’d be keen to look into.”

“My next steps are successfully passing the APC and becoming a Chartered Surveyor. I also now have the opportunity to develop further on one of Henry Boots flagship projects which is very exciting. I will be managing several high value subcontracts packages, leading on valuations and cost-value reconciliations.”