Student Civil Engineer Review

My placement has been extremely enjoyable. My expectations were greatly exceeded. I learnt more about the industry in week one, than I had in a year at university. I've been given an enormous amount of time gaining experience on site, as well as some in the office. I am currently being rotated around the different departments, which would give me a nice understanding and feel of each one. So far its been the most insightful and beneficial job yet, giving me a firm understanding of what it will be like after graduation.

My colleagues are always willing to take me out on site, and value the help that I can provide. Being an extra engineer boosts the efficiency of any task on site, and the engineers recognise this. During quiet times, there are colleagues that are willing to provide work if I ask.

I was matched with a buddy on my first day. I support them in almost every job they carry out on site, as well as a bit in the office. My manager provides support when needed. Any request I give to him is dealt with immediately. We set objectives in week one, which are graudually being completed. As he is the Construction Manager, he can point me in the right direction for all construction related inquireis.

The office has a quite relaxed environment. When it is extremely busy, you have the opportunity to take breaks when required. I have had specific jobs to work with for 85% of my time on the site. On days were there isn't much work to do, I can request for work from other employees. I haven't been overworked once, and task are distributed well.

I have been working with my Costain Buddy throughout my placement. So I therefore carry out any of his responsibilities with him. After being taught how to do something I usually carry it out myself with minimal supervision until required. In the office i have also been given some responsibility which also taught me a lot. Due to my lack of experience I haven't been given any major responsibilities which involve me going on site alone.

The skills that I have developed will greatly benefit me in my degree studies and beyond. I have gained a huge amount of knowledge and experience in one month, that I would not have otherwise gained in university. I have a much better understanding of highways, the construction industry and Costain and look forward to my one year placement, with rather high expectations.

The atmosphere in the office changes from time to time. Usually when it is extremely busy, most people are focused on work. Other times it is more lively, with people socialising with cakes and snacks in the kitchen, as well as a fusball table which is regularly used.

The work placement was extremely well organised. I spent the first week settling in and getting set up on all the systems etc, whilst still being taken out on site from day 2. Communication with HR was very smooth when needed, with any accommodation, expenses and allowances quickly dealt with. The company is ran very well, with people assigned to deal with specific issues. My manager was aware of my arrival from day one, so most things were prepared.

The company invested a great amount of time in me. So far I have spent time with various engineers working on different areas of the project, so I have had a feel of each area on the site. Also I am scheduled to gain a decent amount of experience with each of the different teams which I am greatly looking forward to.

Future employment prospects are great at the moment. I'm currently sponsored by them, and hope to be right up until graduation. I intend on working with them after graduating, as long as they are happy to hire me. The end goal of the sponsorship is a full time job position. Id be extremely happy to work here as the environment is great, progression prospects are high, there are a lot of different personalities and the salaries are very good.

Most of the trainees and apprentices get along pretty well. More as genuine friends than as colleagues. I haven't been able to interact with all of them due to the difference in departments, but the social relationship is great with the ones that I have met.

Living and socialising cost about £50-£60 a week including food and gym memberships.

There is nightlife in the surrounding towns such as Northampton and Milton Keynes, however I was not interested in any of it.

Yes! There is a gym in the site office which runs yoga once a week. Some of the employees also play football once a week. There are massage sessions once a month. There are also a variety of competitions that are run occasionally.