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Ryan King, a construction quantity surveying technician with Bam Construction, was named CIOB’s Apprentice of the Month for July. He chose construction for its long-term prospects and became interested in quantity surveying because it combines numbers, problem-solving and a close view of how projects progress. His advice to new apprentices is practical: make the most of time on site and in the office, build relationships with colleagues, and ask questions early.
Why Ryan King chose a construction apprenticeship
King says he expected construction to be a long-standing industry with ongoing demand. Quantity surveying appealed to him in particular because it brings together working with numbers, solving problems and understanding a project’s progress.
He describes an apprenticeship as “the best of both worlds”: a chance to gain experience on site while working towards a qualification. His comment that an apprentice could have “five years on-site experience with a qualification” is his general description, not a verified typical apprenticeship duration or guaranteed outcome.
What advice does Ryan King give to someone starting an apprenticeship?
Ask questions before uncertainty builds
King encourages apprentices to ask questions, including ones that may seem obvious. “Even if you think it’s an obvious answer, it’s always good when you’re starting the apprenticeship to ask questions, get the silly questions out of the way, because you learn from that.” Asking early can help clarify unfamiliar tasks and expectations.
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Learn from both the site and the office
Take opportunities to learn wherever the work is happening. King advises office-based apprentices to speak with site colleagues as well as the people they see day to day. Conversations across the project can help explain how different roles contribute to its progress.
Stay organised and build working relationships
King highlights organisation and attention to detail as important habits. He also recommends building relationships with colleagues and shadowing people to see different areas of the work. This gives an apprentice a broader view of the job than concentrating only on their immediate tasks.
Rank #2
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What happened after King completed his apprenticeship?
After completing his apprenticeship, King progressed onto an L6CSQ degree in September. He says he plans to continue at levels 5 and 6 over the next few years as he works towards becoming fully qualified. The profile does not expand the abbreviation “L6CSQ,” so its full form cannot be established from the available account.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the profile says about the award
Construction Management’s profile identifies King as CIOB’s Apprentice of the Month for July, but does not state the year associated with the award. The employment, award and education details here are based on that interview profile rather than independent corroboration. Read the Construction Management profile of Ryan King for the interview.
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- Adjustable and Detachable: The tool belt features extra-long adjustable belt and quick-release buckles to fit waist sizes 31" to 48";The pouch are detachable and can be moved to different positions on the waist according to usage habits,making work more convenient
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Rank #4
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