Trainee Building Services Engineer Review

My role is a Building Services Trainee Engineer. My daily tasks involve managing the installation of mechanical and electrical systems in buildings which includes both new build and refurbishments. There are many daily interactions between operatives on site, quantity surveyors and project managers ensuring that tasks and projects are delivered safely, in time and within budget. My responsibilities include procuring equipment for on site use, managing installations, checking designs and health and safety on site. I have worked on two multi-million pound leisure centres within Manchester and a multi-million refurbishment of a hospital in Wales.

I am always learning skills both academically and practically. I ham currently studying BEng (hons)in Building Services and Sustainable Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire. I am also continually developing practically by assisting in the engineering on site. I have attended many continual professional development courses (CPD's) to enhance my knowledge in specialist areas within the industry. I have learnt how to calculate heat loss in buildings and how to do a basic design on mechanical and electrical systems within a building.

I strongly enjoy the programme as it has allowed me to pursue both academic and practical goals simultaneously. At work, I am given enough responsibilities to stay engaged whilst receiving the support from my team to enable me to complete tasks confidently. The company culture is excellent, with yearly meetings of our yearly cohort being a positive where we can catch up with our colleagues who work in other regions. The course has met my expectations and I have enjoyed it so far.

I feel very valued by Laing O'Rourke and myself and my manager have monthly reviews to monitor my progress and create short and long term goals to keep me motivated and understand how I am developing. I have had recognition for doing well and university with good appraisal reviews from the business unit leader and my manager. I have been involved as much as practically possible in the projects that I have worked on which has allowed me to progress at a good rate.

The programme is very well organized by the programme team. I was involved in a 3 day induction at the head office in Dartford where we were introduced into the business, met many senior leaders, learnt about the company values and ethics and we were able to socialize with our new cohort and colleagues. I have had continual training in the form of university, CPD's and also internal training for computer software's, health and safety and First Aid. There is support in the form of line managers and we were assigned a 'buddy' who was a cadet in the later years who was there to give us help and guidance. The programme has modules that we attend, which are aimed at developing our business mindset and understanding how the business operates.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider despite only attending university once per week. We have time to meet almost all of our tutors on the day we are at university and they are usually at the university campus whenever needed. If I am unable to go to university then they are always available to contact via email and generally replies are within 24 hours of sending which is essential when revising and completing coursework throughout the week.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, through the form of line managers, buddy's, mentors and modules. Reviews with my manager happen monthly while the buddy is there to help whenever we need help whether it be with work or with regards to university. The modules help us develop as individuals within a business and show us how to work effectively in a team. The business also supports us by providing 3 study days a year which allow more time for revision and coursework completion.

As I am living at home then my salary more than meets my costs for living at home, and my salary is due for review every year on a structured pay rise. I have been able to socialize, pay for holidays, pay for bills and save. A positive is the expenses policy which allows costs for work and university to be covered meaning that a lot of my salary isn't spent on commuting or travelling.

There are many opportunities outside of work to progress my career and development. I have been allowed the time to work in a mentoring programme for Aquinas College in Stockport which has involved me helping a student with his CV and applications for apprenticeships and university. This has allowed me to improve my communication, leadership, and confidence by taking responsibility for helping a student. I have also improved my presentation skills by doing presentations at Aquinas College.

Yes

Laing O'Rourke have allowed me to develop my career and myself by supporting me both academically at university and practically whilst carrying out my day to day job role. The programme is well structured and I have no issues with university or with the programme in general. I have been the opportunity to push myself to my limits with responsibilities but still feel confident as I have support around me.

I would advise learning about the company and the industry before applying to understand what sort of roles and responsibilities you can have. I would also advise getting some work experience within the field that you are applying for to ensure that you can demonstrate interests in the role and making sure its definitely the career you want to pursue. Also, make sure that you are well prepared the interview so you can impress and stand out from the others.