Learning on the job: Trainee Estimator Millie

Our estimating teams determine project feasibility and costs for tenders and bids, and ensure costs stay on track throughout construction. It's a job that's well suited to Millie who enjoys working on a variety of projects and getting into the detail. Seven months into her estimating traineeship, she explains what's involved in the role and how it's going so far.

What attracted you to the traineeship?

The chance to work on real projects along with study appealed to me. I'd previously done an apprenticeship in data analytics but, having no background in construction, the traineeship allowed me to start at the beginning to learn the basics. 

How does your traineeship work in practice?

I’m doing a part-time HNC in Construction, where I attend two sessions each week. I had the option of going to college in person or online, so chose the latter as it works out better for home life.  The course covers the broader idea of construction which is useful for someone like me who's being newly introduced to the sector. We have assessments at the end of each module which are going well so far. 

For the majority of time, I’m learning on the job. 

What types of work do you get involved in as a trainee?

The Estimating Team manage various projects at tender stage. I'm currently involved in several projects which are different in scale and complexity to maximise my learning. I follow the process leading up to submission for each one – for instance, setting up and sending out enquiries, keeping communication ongoing with the supply chain, and retrieving quotes and analysing them using our online estimating systems. 

So far I’ve had a taste of estimating for regeneration developments, infrastructure projects, and public and private builds.

How do you balance work and study?

I’m also a mum so need to keep a balance between work, study and home life. As long as I stay organised and aware of my deadlines, it helps manage the pressure of submission deadlines and handing in assessments at college.

What have you gained from your apprenticeship so far?

I’m given exposure to many different scenarios which is building my confidence as well as knowledge. For instance, because I take part in meetings, I’m becoming familiar with the topics that come up frequently and challenges that can arise. My communication skills are better too as it’s a job where everyone in the team has to be in the loop, especially when we’re nearing a submission date – it only takes something minimal to have an impact on the final submission, so communication and a keen eye is important.

Any key challenges?

There’s a lot to learn. For instance, I speak to subcontractors regularly so have to be clued up on the project detail and ready to answer their questions. I decided at the start not to overthink it, to jump right in.

Looking ahead I want to understand more about the operational side of things, the methodology and challenges on site. For example, if there’s going to be limited space for storage and parking during construction, what’s the impact and how do we combat that for a high volume of materials and large plant?

Tell us about your support network at Robertson...

I’ve got a great line manager and there’s a fantastic dynamic in the team – we work in the same office so I can ask questions as they come up. I speak to estimators from our other regions too, and they’re always happy to give me time. I like to hear how other people do things, to get an overall feel for my own approach. 

Sum up, how’s it going so far?

Really well, I’m happy with how things are picking up. I didn’t know what to expect at the start of my traineeship but there are so many development opportunities and interesting parts of the job. For instance, I’m currently doing Building Services and Health & Safety modules, and will be going on to use CAD (computer-aided design) and learn about site surveying.

Would you recommend doing a traineeship?

Yes, I'd definitely recommend learning on the job. I think if you're leaving school and going straight into a traineeship you'll find it a good balance and easy to adapt to.