Meet Ollie: Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, R&M Williams
Ollie came straight from college into construction, placed with R&M Williams through Cyfle Building Skills, a Queen’s Award-winning shared apprenticeship scheme that educates and supports people into careers in the construction sector. Now working on one of our flagship projects, he talks apprenticeships, learning on the job, and why surveying is more than most people expect.
How did you end up in quantity surveying?
“I came straight from school. I knew I wanted to be in construction and quantity surveying felt right. Cyfle placed me with R&M Williams, partly because I already knew Harrison and Kal from the QS team. I went straight in and haven’t looked back.”
What drew you to R&M Williams specifically?
“The connections helped, but what made the difference was the team. There are a lot of younger members in the QS team here. It made adjusting so much easier.”
You’re working on one of our flagship projects at Croft Street. What’s that like at this stage of your career?
“It’s a big adjustment, purely due to the scale of it. But every day you’re learning more, gaining more experience, and being given more responsibility. You earn the trust.”
What does a typical day actually look like and what surprises people about the QS role?
“You’re straight on site, pricing up, measuring up, in meetings with clients and the project team. The financial side, the big picture you get, it’s mind-blowing. People don’t expect that.”
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned on the job that couldn’t have come from a classroom?
“Meeting people. Clients come from all different backgrounds, from all over the world. Their experience and knowledge gets passed on to you. You can’t replicate that in a lecture theatre.”
How would you describe the culture at R&M Williams?
“Really good. The team is relatively young, we work hard and have a laugh, but we take our jobs seriously. We maintain great relationships with each other and with clients.”
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in construction or surveying?
“Get into it. It’s such an interesting world, both from the financial side and the construction side. The career benefits as you build your experience are great. Just go for it.”
