Name: Lewis Drury
Job title: Site quantity surveyor at Wates Group
What I do: As part of the role, I create and negotiate subcontract agreements for works packages on projects such as office blocks, schools and housing. I then manage the subcontractors on site once works have commenced agreeing changes to the subcontract and valuing applications for payments each month. I report and manage costs upstream to the client and downstream to the subcontractor. This involves being based in the site offices and weekly site walkarounds.
Why I got into the property industry: I wanted to work in construction to make a difference to the surrounding landscapes and improving the lives of others while seeing real life progress. The quantity surveyor role was well suited to me as you get ‘the best of both worlds’ in terms of being on building sites and in the office.
How I did it: I applied to be a commercial management trainee at Wates and after a rigorous recruitment process, I was awarded the job. This consisted of submitting an application by completing situational questions, a pre-recorded video interview and an online assessment day with circa 10 other people. The assessment day focused on three exercises – a group exercise, case study exercise and interview. What prepared me for this process the most was practice as I’d had a range of interviews at other companies beforehand, which helped me to prepare.
My first big break: After completing the trainee programme, I was promoted to assistant surveyor and given much more responsibility in terms of value to manage and more complex work packages. I was then project lead on the enabling works at the Teesside University Digital Life Project while the main contract was agreed with the client. This consisted of demolition and preparing the site for the main building.
My inspiration(s): Being involved in projects that make my home city [Leeds] a better place to work/live.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Completing my dissertation while pushing for a promotion to the site quantity surveyor role. This was difficult and hard work, but with the right support from my company I was able to achieve both.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Being awarded with the Rising Start Award at the Wates Directors Yorkshire and North East awards.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: The stigma attached to people who choose property and construction industries as ‘back up’ options. This just isn’t true as there are so many rewarding career paths in the sector.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: That the construction and the property industry should be treated as a great industry to work in, especially at schools and colleges, although this is changing!
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: Construction is an industry where anybody can be a part of which gives you access to different ways of thinking and problem solving.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: There is always a better way of doing something that can have fewer consequences for the environment.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: In five years, I would like to be project lead on high value projects.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Tiger Woods.
What I do in my downtime: I am a Leeds United season ticket holder and have just started a challenge to climb the UK’s top 100 rated mountains.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I would still be in the construction industry in some capacity, maybe an electrician or another indoor trade!
My advice for someone just starting out: Despite university being the traditional route, it is not the only route. I would encourage individuals to explore the various options available.
My motto/mantra: Go out of your comfort zone.
The 10-14 February 2025 is National Apprenticeship Week. Click here to find out more details about the initiative.
