Hycom grows again with new apprentice Quantity Surveyor
Meet Harvey, our Quantity Surveying Apprentice! Harvey is currently completing an apprenticeship at Gloucestershire College. This October, he joined the Hycom team to apply his classroom learning to real-world projects. Now, one month into his apprenticeship, we caught up with Harvey to hear about his experience so far and how he's settling into the role.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm Harvey, 20 years old, and I’m doing an apprenticeship as a Quantity Surveyor at Hycom. I enjoy the variety in my role, which mixes office work with site visits. I’m excited about building real-world skills and learning through hands-on experience.
What made you decide to pursue this apprenticeship?
I chose this apprenticeship because it gave me a chance to start my career in the right away. I like working with numbers, and the mix of office and site work really appealed to me. Plus, it was close to home, which was a bonus.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
My day starts at 8am, where I usually make drinks for the team before checking emails. Then, I go through tasks, create quotes, and take measurements from drawings. Some days I’m on-site, and others, I’m in the office. I finish at 4pm, which I like because it gives me more time in the evening.
What’s been the most interesting thing you’ve learned so far?
The site survey side of my role has been the most interesting. Getting out of the office to measure and see the work in person has been a great way to apply what I do in the office.
What’s one skill you’re excited to develop during this apprenticeship?
I’m excited to develop my site surveying skills. Being on-site and getting real measurements helps me build my accuracy and confidence, which is key for a Quantity Surveyor.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself fully qualified, with a good mix of office and site experience. I want to take on more responsibility, and maybe even manage projects from start to finish.
What advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship?
Think about the financial side: with an apprenticeship, you’re earning while learning, and avoiding student loan debt. You get real-world experience too, which you can’t beat. It’s a great way to kickstart your career without the pressure of uni.
Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of work?
Outside of work, I love running, hiking, and playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer. I’m also aiming to run a marathon this year.
Who inspires you, and why?
My brother inspires me. He didn’t do well in school but kept pushing forward - joining the army, becoming a paramedic, and eventually studying to be a doctor. He’s ridiculously fit and carries the same mentality he had in the army. He always talks about that Fight Club scene where they tell the guy, ‘if you’re not on your way to becoming a veterinarian in two weeks, we’ll come back and kill you.’ He encourages me to push myself hard in the right direction.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I’d summon infinite lions at will.
