Trainee Site Manager Review

It was very enjoyable, there where brief periods where I felt like my time and myself as a worker was not being fully utilised however they were far in between due to the poeple who I was following really making asolid effort to involve me and get me to help them in their daily tasks.

I have to say, Kier have been an absolutely fantastic employer and I couldn't rate them higher. Everyone I have interacted with has been very proffessional and very friendly. They have welcomed me with very open arms and treated me with respect and made me feel very valued as a worker.

There was always the right support available to me as and when I needed it. Leaders always clearly explained what they were asking of me to do and when I did not understand they took the time to answer my questions and queries - This allowed me to start a task and not feel like I was thrown in the deep end with no understanding of what i was doing.

I felt that I was always busy and following the same workflow as my leaders. Obviously this fluctuates and different deadlines arise where I have to get a lot done in a short period of time but this was expected. I wouldn't say there was any days where I was sat there twiddling my thumbs all day; I always made a conscious effort to go and seek new tasks to do or help in anyway too which led me to keeping occupied.

It varied within my placement. I took on a number of different roles over the few months that I been here. This ranged from a trainee site manager where I took a very large chunk of responsibility which varied across the 2 months work there. This is mainly due to actually having a physical presence and showing my face to people who come and ask me questions. This meant that I had to be professional and keep on my toes and ensure I know whats going across the site as more often than not, people/sub contractors needed answers there and then. There was also one day where I was in charge of the entire site due to both site managers being away. This meant I was the sole and only point of contact for any information or construction related business on the site for visitors and workers.

I think the work placement has helped me to develop my self in both a technical and knowledge oriented way, as well as helping me to improve on my social skills such as networking. All of this is key skills which I will be carrying forward to both my time at University, as well my future career. Going back to the technical side, it has been really useful for me to get first hand experience of what actually goes on in the industry and how it all actually works. This will allow me to take forward a new way of thinking and different approach to the tasks that are given to me at uni, in turn resulting in a new approach to any given task that may not have have straight away to me previously.

The office was a very open and enjoyable work space. It was designed in a way that was modern and allowed for thinking and collaboration in a easy to do manner. A strong work ethic was shown from all workers helping to a create positive and busy work environment, which in turn helped to promote the same again.

It was very organised in terms of work and who to report to. There were a few blips with regards to payment of my work. My contract was to be paid week in hand, when this didn't happen contact was made to establish when i was paid and my manager was told that I would be monthly. When it came to payday at the end of the month I didn't receive any wages and then contact was then made again for the reason. After this contact I had to wait 3 days for an emergency payment to be made into my account as well as a follow up as to why I wasn't getting my wages. It has still been a little bit messy till this day but I now get paid on time. other than wages, the rest of the internship was well set up

There is only one main places where they invested in me. The first was time. Each member of the company who I have been working with often gave up some of their time throughout the day to help explain things to me which they wouldn't normally do. This meant they were taking the time to look after me and ensure I knew what was going on.

Working within Kier has been a very enjoyable expereince and I feel like I have made good business relations with a lot of the poeple here. They have promoted a very good work image for the rest of the company and if any oppertunites arise in the future when I am looking for them, I will be certain to have a look at it.

I was the only person who was on placement within this division of the company. However I got along very well with all my colleagues in the business and enjoyed spending time working with them. I also took part in a social event with my colleagues and about 12 clients which I enjoyed alot socialising and having a pleasant day out with them.

I lived at home whilst I worked at kier. This meant that i had no outgoings on rent, food or anything else. The only cost to me from working here was not having a company car and/or getting a fuel allowance to travel to and fro the office. However if i wanted to go and purchase food there were a few outlets nearby which were reasonably priced and wouldnt break the bank so its okay.

I live in this area anyway so I very much enjoy Exeter and think its one of the best places out that I have been too. However working the hours I do and the distance away from work it didnt permit me to go out very often which I was perfectly happy with.

There wasn't really any other activities outside of the work. I have only been working in the office for a short period and will be leaving again soon to go back to uni, But if ~i was to stay for longer than I think that some would arise as I have overheard colleagues talking about events and outings planned in the future.