SIWES Logbook for Quantity Surveying: How to Fill It Correctly (With Examples & Sketch Guide)

Filling your SIWES logbook as a Quantity Surveying student is not just a school requirement. It is official proof of your industrial training under the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).

Your logbook demonstrates:

• The practical skills you acquired
• Exposure to real construction projects
• Understanding of cost management and contract administration
• Professional growth during your attachment

A properly filled logbook can improve your SIWES grade and impress both academic and industry supervisors.

This guide explains how to fill your Quantity Surveying SIWES logbook correctly with structured daily examples, sketches to include, tools to mention, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Is Expected in a Quantity Surveying SIWES Logbook

Your logbook should clearly demonstrate exposure to:

Pre-Contract Activities

• Taking off quantities
• Preparing Bills of Quantities (BQ)
• Cost estimation
• Tender documentation
• Rate analysis

Post-Contract Activities

• Site measurements
• Interim valuations
• Payment certificates
• Variation orders
• Cost control and financial reporting

Site Exposure

• Attending site meetings
• Monitoring work progress
• Verifying materials delivered
• Comparing drawings with actual construction

A good logbook shows learning progression, not repetition.

Structure of a Quantity Surveying SIWES Logbook

1. Student & Company Details

• Name
• Matriculation number
• Department
• Company name and address
• Supervisor’s name
• Duration of attachment

2. Daily Activity Entries

Each daily entry should include:

• Date
• Specific task performed
• Tools or software used
• Technical terms
• Sketch (if applicable)

Avoid vague statements like:

• “Worked in the office”
• “Went to site”

Instead write:

• “Took off quantities for 225mm blockwork from architectural drawings.”
• “Assisted in preparing interim valuation No. 2 for client certification.”
• “Measured reinforcement works for ground floor slab using steel schedule.”

Use professional phrases such as:

• “Assisted in”
• “Observed the process of”
• “Prepared draft”
• “Participated in”

Sample SIWES Logbook Entries for Quantity Surveying Students

Week 1 – Orientation & Introduction to Costing

Week 2 – Taking Off & BQ Preparation

Week 3 – Site Measurement & Valuation

Tools & Software to Mention in Your Logbook

Measurement & Office Tools

• Scale rule
• Measuring tape
• Calculator
• Dimension paper

Software

• Microsoft Excel
• AutoCAD (for drawing interpretation)
• Cost estimation software (if used)

Site Equipment

• PPE (helmet, boots, reflective vest)
• Steel tape
• Leveling tools

Sketch Ideas for Quantity Surveying Logbooks

Sketches improve clarity and evaluation scores. Include:

• Foundation layout
• Floor plan section
• Reinforcement arrangement
• Staircase detail
• Blockwork elevation
• Measurement diagram showing dimensions taken

Label sketches clearly and neatly.

Weekly Summary Guidelines

At the end of each week, summarize:

• Major tasks performed
• Skills learned
• New technical terms encountered
• Challenges faced and solutions

Example:

“This week, I gained practical experience in taking off quantities and preparing bills for blockwork and finishes. I improved my understanding of rate build-up and tender documentation.”

Ensure your industry supervisor signs and stamps weekly.

Common Mistakes Quantity Surveying Students Must Avoid

• Writing vague entries
• Skipping daily entries and filling everything at once
• Forgetting supervisor signatures
• Leaving sketch pages blank
• Not mentioning tools or technical terms
• Copying another student’s logbook

Tips to Score High in SIWES

• Write entries daily
• Draft in a rough notebook first
• Use professional language
• Focus on what you learned
• Be honest, never forge signatures
• Keep handwriting neat

Handling “No Work” Days

If no major activity occurred, write:

• “Reviewed previous BOQ documents for better understanding.”
• “Studied contract drawings and asked questions on measurement techniques.”
• “No major site activity, engaged in office documentation.”

Never leave a day blank.

sample of a siwes logbook entries (engineering student)

sample of a siwes logbook sketches part (engineering student)

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FAQs

1. How do I start my SIWES logbook for Quantity Surveying?

Start with your personal and company details, then document daily activities using professional and technical language related to measurement, costing, and valuation.

2. Can I fill my SIWES logbook weekly instead of daily?

Daily entries are strongly recommended. Weekly writing leads to forgotten details and weak entries.

3. Are sketches compulsory in a Quantity Surveying SIWES logbook?

Yes. Sketches of layouts, reinforcement details, or measurement diagrams improve clarity and evaluation scores.

4. What activities should a Quantity Surveying student record?

Pre-contract (taking off, BQ preparation, tendering) and post-contract (site measurement, interim valuation, variation orders, payment certificates).

5. What if my attachment is mostly office-based?

Document costing, rate analysis, contract documentation, BOQ preparation, and drawing interpretation tasks.