The construction industry is constantly evolving, and now, more than ever, we need to attract and nurture bright young talent. Engaging with students through work experience placements is a vital opportunity to show them that a career in this sector involves so much more than just bricks and mortar.
Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting Freddie and Joshua for a three-day placement. Over their time with us, they gained hands-on experience and discovered the diverse career paths available by visiting a wide range of departments, including Quality/Design, Health & Safety, Quantity Surveying, Estimating, and Project Management.
Freddie: Proactive Problem-Solving
Freddie consistently impressed mentors across the business with his polite, well-mannered, and proactive approach. He showed exceptional initiative during a spreadsheet task by identifying missing information on elevations and plans, seamlessly accounting for it in his work. Freddie also completed a practical investigation into a drainage quality issue, comparing construction drawings with as-built drawings and manufacturer specifications with minimal assistance. When working with the Health & Safety team, he successfully identified risks and developed a safe system of works for his assigned activities.
Reflecting on his time here, Freddie noted how surprising it was to see the sheer number of different departments involved in the industry, and the immense amount of layered work required to build a house. His experience perfectly illustrates the multi-layered, collaborative reality of modern construction.
Joshua: Engaging with the Bigger Picture
Joshua equally made a highly positive impression across his rotations with his engaged, professional, and willing attitude. He showed a genuine interest in Health & Safety, where he demonstrated a clear understanding of site compound setups and produced a risk assessment featuring hazard identification and control measures. Joshua also found his time in Estimating particularly engaging; he learned how to use the OnSight app and discovered the complex factors and timeframes involved in securing planning permission for our Coggeshall site.
Joshua was fascinated to see the true progression of a house build, noting the intricate layers involved before the main structure can even be erected, from pipes laid in cement through to large structures, wooden frames, and tiled roofs.
Building the Future
We are incredibly proud to support the next generation of construction professionals. Freddie and Joshua were both a genuine pleasure to work with. Their week with us highlights the importance of providing these opportunities to showcase the vast, varied, and highly technical career paths our industry has to offer.