We sat down with Trainee Quantity Surveyor Kai Ramrattan who is currently working on The Glass Works in Barnsley.
Why did you choose a career in Quantity Surveying?
Straight after school I was torn about which career path to take. A role in the construction industry or accountancy were the two main choices that stuck out for me. After finding out more about Quantity Surveying, I realised it would be the perfect combination of the two.
Would you recommend your training route to others wanting to explore careers in construction?
Going to university one day a week and at work for the remaining four days has been extremely effective in expanding my knowledge and furthering my ability to understand the industry. This training route has provided me with both an income and helped put my learning into practice, as I really feel there is no better way of learning than through doing.
What is your favourite part of your role?
The best part for me is seeing a project come to an end and realising that I have been part of an effective site team that has achieved something amazing. It gives me a buzz to see something tangible in a community and knowing that I have contributed towards it. I also particularly enjoy contacting subcontractors whilst building relationships and negotiating terms.
How has the site environment improved your training experience?
Working on site has massively improved my training experience as it gives me a hands-on approach to learning and allows me to see in real life what is happening and watch the build take shape and develop each day. Working in this way means I can gain first-hand knowledge of elements which aren’t touched on at university – I think this gives me an edge over my uni peers who are office-based and only visit site once a month.
What do you think The Glass Works will bring to Barnsley and the surrounding areas?
My biggest impression is of the scale and the clear amount of hard work that had gone into the project and how it has already completely transformed Barnsley - now the town centre is completely unrecognisable. It will no doubt improve the leisure experience for people living in the area and attract new shoppers from surrounding areas.
What is the best thing about working at Henry Boot?
During my short time here I have been most struck by the sense of belonging. On my first day I was taken around the head office to meet people and everyone greeted me smiling and made me feel welcome right from get go. Since then nothing has changed - from other trainees to the senior managers, they’ve all made me feel part of the Henry Boot community and I look forward to working alongside them in the future.
How do you like to relax outside of work?
I have been a devoted rugby player from a young age and enjoy training twice a week and playing a match on a Saturday for my local side Sheffield RUFC. I also have a very good social life and I enjoy meeting my friends on a weekend and travelling to watch different sporting events.
What are your hopes for the next steps in your career?
Moving forward I am looking to qualify in four years’ time and I want to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and progressively move up the ranks within Henry Boot to a senior position.
