Solid foundation at OIC helps pave the way for Jay within construction industry

Joining the Council as a summer student often leads to exciting employment opportunities in Orkney and further afield. 

Don’t just take our word for it – read Jay Foubister’s quantity surveying journey. 

A quantity surveyor is the financial linchpin of any construction job – an expert in costing buildings from conception to completion – all whilst ensuring each project meets all legal and quality requirements. 

Jay first came to the Council in May 2023 as a summer student having completed his 3rd year at university. He was keen to gain some knowledge and experience in a practical setting and his role involved working closely with quantity surveyors and project managers. 

Jay’s contract was extended until the end of March 2024 on a part-time basis thanks to the Council’s flexible working policy, meaning he could continue his project work with the team in Orkney whilst continuing to work towards gaining his degree. 

Jay said: “I was part of the Neighbourhood Services and Infrastructure Service and assisted with the procurement of infrastructure projects, helping manage maintenance programmes, and collaborated with various stakeholders on construction projects. I gained valuable experience in cost estimating, project management, and procurement. 

“I had the opportunity to work on some exciting projects, including the airfield buildings in Papa Westray and Stronsay, as well as the thermal upgrade at Hope Primary School, helping them reach the tender stage. Working on real-life projects and seeing building concepts come to life on-site has been great.” 

Jay found the Council was able to provide him with the opportunity to apply what he was learning during his studies to real life situations. 

He feels the experiences gained and support from Council colleagues has assisted his studies, particularly when it came to completing his dissertation. 

"I had direct contact with industry professionals and received significant support throughout the whole dissertation process.  

“I feel as though having real responsibility on infrastructure projects has been key to my development as a quantity surveyor. It allowed me to understand and address actual challenges in construction and gain valuable experience on-site.” 

Key to this has also been earning while you learn! 

“I moved back onto my full-time contract this summer after completing my final year and obtaining my honours degree. This allowed me to continue working on some of the ongoing projects and initiatives I had been involved with in the past year or so. 

“This has been great as I’ve been able to see some of the projects which I helped procure, be on site, and working towards completion.” 

Jay feels his OIC journey has played a crucial role in securing a full-time position with Turner and Townsend - a global consultancy business in Edinburgh delivering major projects and programme management. 

“The Council provided me with the necessary skills and experience that made me a competitive candidate. This role is something I feel would never have been achievable without the support I received during my time at the Council. 

“I would highly encourage others to take up a summer job or an apprenticeship with OIC. The Council offers an excellent way to gain hands-on experience in the construction industry. The opportunities I've received have been amazing, and their support during my studies was great. 

“The office provides an environment where every day is different, involving you in exciting and upcoming projects set to be constructed in Orkney. 

“The supportive and collaborative work environment at OIC makes it an excellent place to work.” 

Corporate Director of Neighbourhood Services and Infrastructure, Hayley Green, said: “It has been a great pleasure to have Jay with the Council and being a complementary part of his employment journey. We strive to be supportive and flexible as part of our own pathway to becoming Orkney’s ‘Employer of Choice’ - recognising and nurturing the talent that is out there. 

“We are delighted to have played an important role in laying the solid foundations for which Jay can now build a successful career. We wish Jay well into the future and, who knows, he may opt to return to the county at some point in the future and given his resounding approval of working at the Council he may well be keeping us on his radar!” 

If you would like to find out more about the opportunities available at Orkney Islands Council, then please take a look at https://joinus.orkneyislands.uk/