Undergraduate Engineer Review

During my year on placement I was working on-site one Sisk's large commercial projects. I was out on site on a daily basis, with roughly a 70/30 split from site work to work in the office. This was an aspect of the job I enjoyed greatly. Daily tasks included a lot of surveying, setting out and data/drawing analysis in the site office. However, there were lots of other tasks that would run for limited amounts of time and every week was different; for example installing elements of lightning protection on the concrete frame and other hands on tasks. This was complimented by some more office base tasks, such as quality assurance and logistics plan management.

Prior to my placement with Sisk I had no previous experience working in a construction environment and my surveying skills were limited, so it was very much a plunge into the deep end. As a result of this, I learnt something new everyday, developing my practical engineering skills greatly. Such skills include use of a Total Station plus any relevant attachments, cross checking rebar with drawings and setting out gridlines and other elements of the project. I had done a very small amount of surveying at university but this is the skill I have improved most whilst on placement. Alongside practical skills I also developed my AutoCAD skills, whilst learning how to use new software/applications such as Field View and Viewpoint. Aside from this, throughout the year I also developed my more basic personal skills such of communication, organisation and team work. By the end of placement I was much more confident in approaching new tasks and people as a result of this. Sisk also gave me the opportunity to complete training such as SSSTS and other internal qualifications, for example fire marshalling.

I feel that I was given an appropriate level of responsibility in relation to my skill set. As I became more competent I was given more responsibility, and started having ownership of specific packages such as setting up a building control network, the hoist installation and management of the lightning protection for the concrete frame. Being given this level of ownership was a highlight of the placement, giving great job satisfaction. Often I was working alongside graduate engineers and other junior members of the team, including apprentice site managers to manage certain areas such as checking cast-in elements for the facade. This 'light touch' approach where junior members are asked to work together with minor involvement from more senior members of staff was great. It gave you the opportunity to find information out for yourself/make mistakes with the safety net of supervision.

Joining a skeleton team at the near the beginning of the project was a blessing in disguise, as I was working in a very tight knit environment which meant I got to know my colleagues very well. My mentor (line manager), the senior engineer, and the other site engineer on the project were great in welcoming me to the job and provided a huge amount of support and guidance throughout. It was truly one of the friendliest teams I have experienced. My mentor was particularly good at pushing my abilities and helping me grow as an engineer, whilst also providing all the help I could want if needed. It was clear that they cared about me and went the extra mile to ensure I had an enjoyable year.

Sisk has a very friendly, family feel about it. Being the size it is everyone is treated as an individual rather than a number as is the case in some larger contractors. The 'team effort' mentality was very clear on my project and the culture of completing work in a cooperative manor to the best of our ability was a strong trait throughout. Everybody looked out for each other and there was a very caring yet fun atmosphere in the office.

Overall I enjoyed my placement greatly, both the work I was doing and the people I met in the duration made it a very fun 12 months. There were obviously times when it was challenging and tough but being surrounded by a great team and having a high level of job satisfaction meant I always ended the week happy, going to work was not a chore. The effort that Sisk went to in making sure I got the most out of my placement was the best an undergraduate could ask for.

Yes

Make sure you approach your job and colleagues with the correct attitude. You have to expect that if your are in a site based role the hours may be long and that you are not just going to be sat in office from 9-5, with the majority of your work being outside. Make sure you say yes to all the tasks offered to you in the beginning and I would strongly recommend taking up any opportunities given to you, whether it be sitting in on a meeting or presenting to colleagues.