Here at Lochlie, we have a number of apprentices and trainees working for us while also completing their studies, and we are very proud to support them as they work towards their qualifications and develop successful careers in the industry. Our newest trainee Quantity Surveyor is Katie McGavin, and although she has been with the team less than a year, she’s already impressed bosses with her hard work and commitment to the business. Here, we catch up with Katie and find out a bit more about her chosen career…
Why did you choose a degree in Quantity Surveying?
When I left school my first job was as an administrator within a construction company. This job meant I had to provide support to the commercial team, which gave me a great insight to the role a quantity surveyor carries out. I was really interested in it from then onwards, and I could see that the construction industry would offer me a career for life so I decided to pursue my degree in Quantity Surveying!
What does your job involve?
I assist the commercial department with tenders, cost plans and interim valuations. I also have my own projects where I am responsible for managing costs and sub-contractors, overseen by our Commercial Director. I also negotiate payment terms and conditions, submit expenditure reports and procure all plant and materials on my projects. It’s really varied & fast paced – one day I am in the office working on tenders and pricing, and the next day I could be out on site meeting with the architects and engineers on a project.
Is it what you thought it would be?
Because of my experience in my first job role, I knew what to expect in this career. What I enjoy the most is the aspect of continually learning something new, whether it is in work or at university.
What do you like about working with Lochlie?
I thoroughly enjoy working at Lochlie because I feel like a key part of the team. It’s a family owned company and I feel I personally get a lot of exposure to different elements of the construction industry, as they have a wide variety of projects. Everyone also works well as part of the team, which makes work a lot easier – plus there’s always good chat! The on-site training I receive within the workplace is brilliant and Lochlie also offer a great support network if I have any questions or issues, whether it’s on my work or university projects.
What ambitions do you have once you graduate?
Once I graduate, I would aim to become a charted surveyor and hopefully use my degree to see a bit of the world!
Do you have any advice for young girls or women who might be thinking about a career in the construction industry?
Just that they should go for it! The industry is growing and there are loads of rewards and benefits, like travel, on the job training or working across a variety of sectors to name a few. I find that watching a project go from tender stage through to the end finished job is rewarding so I can genuinely recommend Quantity Surveying, but there are so many career paths you could take.
