CONSTRUCTION COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT

Michael Boulton (graduate member) Babtie Group

"I graduated from Kingston University with a BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying in July 2000 after four years of study including a year out in industry. During the sandwich year of my degree I worked for Babtie Group Technical and Management Consultants and was involved in a variety of civil engineering projects including highways, water treatment and environment enhancement schemes.

I have now returned to work for Babtie Group in their Cost Consultancy department based in Croydon and anticipate working on both building and civil engineering projects. My work with Babtie offers excellent opportunities to work in Procurement Advice and Project Management.

I consider involvement with the ICES to be an important factor in the progression of my career."

Graeme Friel (Member) C.A. Blackwell Ltd

"Following the completion of my 3 year HND in Civil Engineering Quantity Surveying at The Nottingham Trent University, I joined my current employer C.A. Blackwell (Contracts) Ltd as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor in 1993. As a result of the opportunities and training provided by my employer and the training guidelines and requirements for the attainment of a professional qualification set out by the ICES, I have experienced a rapid progression of my chosen career within the Civil Engineering Industry. Whilst working I studied for and passed the Institution Part 3 examination and Corporate Review to reach Member grade.

My current responsibilities as Area Quantity Surveyor include the overseeing of on-site commercial management and organisation of Civil Engineering Contracts, along with the training and development of site based Quantity Surveyors within the company's northern region. Working for a multi-disciplined national Civil Engineering Contractor has enabled me to be involved in an array of challenging construction projects for various prestigious public and private sector clients.

Being a member of the ICES has undoubtedly helped me in my career progression. The key benefits to gaining a professional qualification with ICES are that it channels you to undertake relevant professional training at a young age and then continue to develop your career and understanding as a professional at the forefront of the industry."