BLOG: Neil’s Journey as a Graduate Quantity Surveyor

“The water industry appealed to me because of the critical role it plays in supporting Scotland's communities.”

Neil Fox
Graduate Quantity Surveyor

Hi, my name is Neil Fox and I’m a Graduate Quantity Surveyor with Scottish Water, now entering my third and final year of the graduate programme.

What does a day in my role look like? 

Day-to-day, I manage and administer construction contracts for major projects, ensuring the project’s finances are well-managed. These projects span a wide range of Scottish Water assets, from laying pipelines to maintaining and improving wastewater treatment works for large communities.

Collaboration is key to my role, and I work closely with contractors to achieve our goals. Throughout my graduate placements, I’ve had opportunities to explore other areas of the business, including audit, estimating, and smaller-scale projects. Each placement has offered a fresh perspective and new challenges.

Why did I choose Scottish Water?

After completing my undergraduate degree in quantity surveying, I knew I wanted to work in a role that benefits the public while offering opportunities for personal growth. Scottish Water was the perfect fit.

The people here are approachable, helpful, and incredibly knowledgeable. The variety of roles on the graduate programme - from working with auditors to engineers and project managers - has been instrumental in expanding my technical knowledge.

Scottish Water also stands out for its commitment to employee development. The training is excellent, and the opportunities for career progression are plentiful. Every day brings something new to learn, which keeps the work dynamic and engaging.

Why the water industry?

The water industry appealed to me because of the critical role it plays in supporting Scotland’s communities. Being part of this sector allows me to contribute to projects that ensure good value and excellent customer service.

I also enjoy learning about the construction technologies used in the industry and how they help deliver projects efficiently, from inception to completion.

My advice to future graduates...

If you’re considering a career with Scottish Water, take the time to research the company and our operations. A basic understanding of NEC contracts will also give you an edge during the application process - these are key to our work as we manage over £1billion in capital investment annually.

The most important qualities you can bring are a willingness to learn and a team-oriented mindset. Success here comes from working together to achieve common goals.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. If you’re thinking about applying to Scottish Water, I wish you the very best of luck!

Applications are open to all pathways of our 2025 Graduate Programme, including Quantity Surveying, until Sunday 22nd December 2024. Find out more at www.scottishwater.co.uk/graduates.