A Week to Remember: Iestyn's Work Experience at Lee Wakemans

At Lee Wakemans, we believe in inspiring the next generation of professionals in the built environment. Especially at a time when there is a growing need to fill roles across the construction sector, we believe it's vital to do everything we can to help the industry thrive -- and that begins by inspiring young people to consider careers within it.

This month, we were pleased to welcome Iestyn Maidment, a bright and inquisitive work experience placement student, who joined us for a week to explore what a career in quantity surveying - and consultancy more broadly - might look like.

With an existing interest in finance and numbers, Iestyn had already been considering quantity surveying as a possible career path. Their connection to the company and curiosity about the profession made Lee Wakemans the natural place to spend a week discovering what's really involved.

"I've always wanted to follow a career in finance or something where I'd be working with numbers regularly," they said. "Quantity surveying was a definite consideration, and I hoped to learn more about the role."

From Office to On-Site

Over the course of the week, no two days were the same. From shadowing one-to-one discussions with different team members, to attending client meetings, to getting hands-on with real tools like Adobe Acrobat and Excel, the placement provided a well-rounded view of life at a professional consultancy.

A particular highlight was a visit to a live site, where the student could see both the theory and the practical realities of construction coming together.

"That day stood out - being taken on-site to attend a meeting with the client and seeing the construction being done really brought everything to life."

An Eye-Opening Experience

Having entered the week with little prior exposure to the construction industry, what surprised Iestyn the most was the depth of detail and planning involved at every stage of a project. And while quantity surveying was the original focus, the experience broadened their understanding of the many different roles within the business - from project management to marketing and business support.

"All the staff I spoke with offered different perspectives and great advice. I really got a sense of how much teamwork and cooperation is behind every successful project."

Building Confidence, One Skill at a Time

The student left with new skills, improved software confidence, and a stronger sense of their future direction.

"Using tools like Adobe Acrobat and Excel definitely strengthened my abilities. And my time here has confirmed that quantity surveying is a potential career path for me. It's also given me a more open mind as I consider university."

Advice to Others

When asked what advice they'd give to others considering work experience, their response was clear:

"Absolutely take the opportunity. With so many career options out there, this week has helped me begin to narrow things down and make informed decisions about the future."

And finally, when asked to sum up the experience in one word?

"Fascinating."

We're proud to have provided a valuable and welcoming experience - and we look forward to continuing to support the next generation of built environment professionals.

If you're a student or school looking to learn more about placements at Lee Wakemans, we'd love to hear from you.

Please contact [email protected]

Here's Iestyn's full answers to his interview questions:

1. What first interested you in doing your work experience at Lee Wakemans?

I've always wanted to follow a career in finance or something where I'd be working with numbers regularly; and quantity surveying was a definite consideration. With a connection to the company already, I took the opportunity given to me and hoped to learn more about the role of a QS.

2. What did you learn about the world of construction and consultancy that surprised you?

With very little concept of the construction industry beforehand, there was very few expectations that I had. Despite that, I would say that the amount of detail that goes into every stage of planning throughout the construction of a project, did surprise me.

3. Can you describe a typical day during your week here?

Every day was different throughout the week, completing varying tasks, attending meetings, having one to one discussion with different staff members about their roles within the company, and so on. One day that stood out was when I was taken on site to not only attend a meeting with the client, but to also see the construction being done.

4. What projects or people did you find particularly inspiring during your placement?

All members of staff I was lucky enough to speak with during my time in the office, all offered different perspectives and great advice regarding my future career potentially within the industry, and in general.

5. What new skills or tools did you get to try out during your time with us?

One task I was given required use of Adobe Acrobat, which i was relatively unfamiliar with and unsure of how to use properly. With assistance from staff, I was able to use it effectively and complete the task. Additionally, I used Excel spreadsheets on multiple occasions, strengthening my ability to use that too.

6. How would you describe the company culture at Lee Wakemans?

Although I was only at the office for a short period, I was welcomed immediately and felt at home from the first day. Within the office, I experienced the cooperation that goes on behind every project first hand, but also the professional culture at the company.

7. Has your time here changed your perspective on what you'd like to study or pursue in the future?

With quantity surveying already being something, I was interested in, my time with Lee Wakemans confirmed for me that it was a potential career choice and has given me a more open mind as I decide what to do regarding university.

8. What advice would you give to someone your age thinking of doing a placement like this?

I would absolutely recommend taking any opportunity given to you to do a placement like this. With seemingly endless career options out there, it's been so helpful in terms of starting to make a decision as the time comes closer to moving on from school and onto a more narrowed path and career.

9. Lastly, what's one word or phrase you'd use to sum up your experience at Lee Wakemans -- and why?

Fascinating. I learned so much about not only the role of a QS as I'd intended to get out of this week, but also numerous other roles within the company (Project Managers, Business Developers and Marketing Executives etc) and so much more about the construction industry itself.