Sandra's journey to becoming a Trainee Quantity Surveyor is a story of determination, unexpected opportunities, and embracing change. Originally from Romania, she moved to the UK about eight years ago and started her career in learning and development as a trainer. During this time, she pursued her education, completing a bachelor's degree in business management at the University of Bolton.

Despite performing well in her role and being promised consideration for a management position upon completing her degree, the opportunity never arose, therefore, this setback became her catalyst for change – what she describes with a touch of humour as "rage quitting."

This led her to DL, where she initially took a position as a training and fleet coordinator, providing maternity cover. "It was close to home," she explains, "and I thought, let's give it a try for one year. If they like my work and have a different position after that, I might stay. If not, I'll look for something else."

Entering a building services company as a young woman was initially intimidating for Sandra, though not necessarily because of the gender ratio. "I think it was this construction environment, which I had no previous knowledge of – everything was so new for me. So I felt like I had to start everything from zero again." However, she found DL’s team to be welcoming and supportive, encouraging her to learn and do her best: “Everyone has been so helpful and friendly and made me feel okay.”

After about a year, the Managing Director, Ben, saw potential in her that would lead to a completely different career path. He offered her the opportunity to become a trainee quantity surveyor, a challenge she readily accepted. Now, she's pursuing a Masters in Quantity Surveying, fully funded by DL, which costs around £10,000 – an investment she deeply appreciates.

The learning curve in growing skills has been steep, particularly with technical terminology. "Even with the language barrier – you learn how to speak English from films, music, and school, but you're never going to learn this way about the fused Spur or condenser and VRF and all that," she shares with a laugh. Her training has been comprehensive, initially working with her other trainee colleague, Gareth and learning directly from Simon Young, DL’s Commercial Director. The company supports her studies with one day off per week for coursework and classes.

Sandra's daily work varies significantly, from preparing payment applications at month-end to working on tenders, doing take-offs, and tracking labour and procurement. She particularly enjoys the diversity of the role: "You don't really have time to get bored," she notes, telling how her confidence has grown, “At first, I was so scared. I was oh, ‘I'm never going to be able to do anything like that.’ But I'm learning.”

What brings her the most satisfaction is applying her university learning to actual projects and seeing her gradual improvement day by day.

The construction industry has surprised her with its opportunities. "It's a very lucrative business, you will always find a job... it pays quite well, and it can be very, very interesting, even for a woman." She encourages others, especially women, to keep an open mind about the industry. "When a project is done and ready, you know that some of your work went into that building. You've seen that project go through all these phases, so it's kind of like your baby. Like leaving a legacy... something that you can take pride in because you've helped with the project."

DL is very supportive. It's an inclusive workplace. It makes you feel heard and seen.

Looking back at her unexpected journey from HR aspirations to quantity surveying, Sandra appreciates DL's commitment to staff development. "It really makes a difference to see that someone is willing to invest in you and to support you." With about two years left in her Masters programme, she's looking forward to becoming a well-rounded quantity surveyor.

Her advice to potential newcomers to DL? "DL is very supportive. It's an inclusive workplace. It makes you feel heard and seen. Just give it a try and ask for help, always ask for help, and keep an open mind and be willing to learn and to grow out of your comfort zone."

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