KEEPING CONSTRUCTION
ON TRACK COULD QUANTITY SURVEYING BE THE CAREER FOR YOU?
Keeping multi-million-pound construction projects on budget might sound like a challenge, but for senior quantity surveyor Steve Lee, that’ s all part of the job.
Working behind the scenes to keep projects running smoothly and costs under control, Steve has enjoyed a rewarding career in the industry for almost 40 years.
At Esh Construction, he is helping deliver projects that make a lasting difference to local areas.
“ I started as a trainee quantity surveyor just before my 18th birthday,” said Steve.
“ It wasn’ t actually the career I originally planned, but a trainee role came up at Middlesbrough Council and I decided to give it a go. I’ ve never looked back.”
Today, Steve is helping deliver the transformation of Eston Precinct, one of the Tees Valley’ s most significant regeneration projects.
The outdated 1960s shopping precinct has been demolished, and
Esh Construction is building seven modern retail units on behalf of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council. Once complete, the development will create opportunities for businesses and help breathe new life into the town.
“ It’ s rewarding because you’ re leaving something behind that benefits the community,” says Steve.
“ I’ ll be able to drive past in years to come and say,‘ I helped build that.’”
As a quantity surveyor, Steve manages project costs, agrees payments, checks site progress and works closely with subcontractors and the wider site team.
No two days are the same.
“ If you’ re interested in construction, it’ s a great career,” he says.
“ You get to see projects develop from the ground up, right through to completion. It’ s interesting, varied and there’ s a real sense of achievement when you hand a project over.”
For young people considering their future options, Steve believes attitude is just as important as qualifications.
“ There’ s a belief that you need loads of qualifications, but a lot comes from training and experience,” he explains.
“ Work hard, be confident and be willing to learn.”
His biggest piece of advice?
“ Get some work experience if you can. Even a short placement can help you build confidence, develop new skills and see whether construction is the right path for you.”
And with projects like Eston Precinct transforming neighbourhoods across the region, a career in quantity surveying could be your opportunity to make a lasting impact too.
THINKING ABOUT A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION?
Explore work experience and apprenticeship opportunities at Esh Construction.
Find out more at eshgroup. co. uk
Surveying the scene – quantity surveyor Steve Lee’ s advice is to be willing to learn.
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