As a leading construction company in Guernsey, we are proud to offer many professional career opportunities to school leavers and graduates. Finlay is one of our Trainee Quantity Surveyors and has worked at Rihoy & Son for over 3 years.

We asked Finlay a few questions about his role at the company and what made him interested in quantity surveying as a career.

  1. Tell us a little about yourself

    I am 25 years old and was born and raised in Guernsey. I completed my A-Levels at Elizabeth College and then spent 3 years in the UK studying Building Surveying at the University of Brighton. Outside of work, I enjoy golf and going to the gym.

  2. What exactly is a Quantity Surveyor? And what first attracted you to working for Rihoy & Son?

    Quantity surveyors manage the procurement, supply chain and cost of construction projects. I was interested in working for Rihoy & Son because they have a strong reputation in Guernsey, and they are the largest contractor on the island. Being able to work on a diverse range of projects, from minor refurbishments to new builds, to some of the largest contracts in Guernsey, has been great for my development and understanding of the industry.

  3. What skillsets are needed to be a successful QS?

    Successful QS’ need to be proactive, have strong numeracy skills, and be able to work well in a team. Currently, I am part of the site team at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital Modernisation Project. It’s clear that communication and critical thinking are key aspects of the job.

  4. What are the 3 best things about working for Rihoy & Son?

    • I enjoy working alongside highly experienced people that are passionate about their work.
    • There’s good camaraderie and banter whilst maintaining a high professional standard, which is reflected in the successful delivery of our projects.
    • Last but not least, the Sports & Social Committee! Rihoy & Son host a number of social events and activities, my favourites being the summer party, the James Bond casino night, and the annual trips to Sark.

  5. How has your role developed /changed since you started? Have you gained more responsibility with projects?

    My job started in the estimating department which is where I learnt the roles and responsibilities of Quantity Surveying. I am now working on site as the assistant QS at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital Modernisation Project. The project has its challenges but seeing the progress on site is very rewarding.

  6. What are some of the challenges you face on the PEH project and how do you overcome them?

    Healthcare presents a myriad of challenges when compared to a typical commercial build. For instance, the team has had to manage complex M&E installations such as medical gas installations, procure specialist subcontractors, and coordinate works with the Hospital to minimise disruption to its daily operations. All these challenges were over come through planning and communication with the Hospital Modernisation team, the Hospital, and our management.

  7. How do you stay updated on industry trends and regulations, and what software do you use to streamline your work?

    We have had company-wide presentations and internal workshops that have been informative. Personally, I enjoy reading magazines such as Construction Manager & watching online shows such as Grand Designs to stay on top of the latest trends and news across the industry. We use electronic software for take-offs and editing documents. This software can save time, improve accuracy, and cut down on the amount of paper and filing required in everyday tasks.

  8. What advice do you have for someone wanting to get into this sector?

    Experience! I would advise anyone currently in education to consider getting work experience with Rihoy & Son or to explore options working part-time for a building company. Personally, I really benefited from doing work experience at Rihoy & Son when I was at school, along with spending my summer holidays working for another contractor. These experiences really solidified my interest in the local construction industry.

  9. Are you studying towards a professional qualification and if so how are you being supported in your efforts?

    Currently I am gaining on-site experience before intending to start my application and training to become a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors & a member of the Chartered Institute of Building. Rihoy & Son have several staff members who are fully qualified in these fields and have offered support and guidance throughout the process.

  10. What's your favourite part of the job?

    I like the variety inherent in the role. Each project is different, and I particularly enjoy the mixture of working in the office and on site, it allows me to meet a diverse range of people and is a unique aspect of the job when compared to a typical office-based role. Also, it’s really satisfying seeing the finished buildings when driving around the island.

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Posted: 29 May 2024