Greyfriars Graduates: Ellen’s First 3 Months

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Meet Ellen: How a Trainee Quantity Surveyor Is Building a Career in Cost Management

If you’re considering a career in Quantity Surveying, wondering what life is really like as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, or searching for Graduate Quantity Surveyor jobs in Norwich and East Anglia, our latest Greyfriars Podcast is well worth a watch.

In Episode 6 of the Greyfriars Podcast, we sit down with Ellen, one of our Trainee Quantity Surveyors, to discuss her journey into the profession, what she’s learned so far, and what it’s really like working in the world of cost management.

What Does a Trainee Quantity Surveyor Do?

Quantity Surveyors help manage the costs associated with construction and development projects. They play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered within budget while achieving the client’s objectives.

At Greyfriars Cost Management, our Quantity Surveyors work on a diverse range of projects across the public, private and charity sectors, including:

  • Heritage and restoration projects
  • Regeneration schemes
  • Education facilities
  • Public sector developments
  • Animal welfare and community projects

For trainees and graduates, this provides exposure to a huge variety of projects rather than being limited to a single sector.

Ellen’s Journey Into Quantity Surveying

Every Quantity Surveyor starts somewhere, and Ellen shares her experience of entering the profession and developing practical skills through real project work.

The podcast explores:

  • What attracted Ellen to Quantity Surveying
  • The transition into a trainee role
  • Learning from experienced professionals
  • Developing commercial and technical skills
  • Working on live projects
  • Career aspirations within the profession

For students, graduates, or individuals considering a career change, the conversation provides valuable insight into what the role actually involves on a day-to-day basis.

Why Choose a Career in Quantity Surveying?

Quantity Surveying offers an exciting career path for people who enjoy problem solving, working with people and being involved in construction projects that leave a lasting impact.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Strong career progression opportunities
  • Support towards professional qualifications and MRICS chartership
  • A mix of office-based and project-based work
  • Opportunities to work across a wide range of sectors
  • High demand for qualified professionals throughout the UK

As construction and infrastructure projects continue to grow, skilled Quantity Surveyors remain in demand across both public and private sector organisations.

Looking for Graduate Quantity Surveyor Jobs?

At Greyfriars, we are passionate about developing the next generation of Quantity Surveyors.

Our Graduate and Trainee Programmes provide:

✅ Real project experience from day one

✅ One-to-one mentoring from experienced professionals

✅ Support towards chartership

✅ Exposure to high-profile and meaningful projects

✅ A friendly and supportive team environment

Whether you’re a construction graduate or someone looking to start a new career within the built environment, we provide structured support to help you succeed.

Join the Next Generation of Quantity Surveyors

Ellen’s story demonstrates that there is no single route into the profession. With the right support, mentoring and opportunities, a rewarding career in Quantity Surveying can be within reach.

If you’re interested in becoming a Quantity Surveyor, take a few minutes to watch the podcast and hear first-hand what life is like as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor at Greyfriars.

Learn more about our Graduate roles here:Graduate Quantity Surveyor Jobs Norwich | 2026 Programme