Site Engineer Review

My role is a Site Engineer. Daily tasks include site surveying and setting out, structural surveys and man management. My role is both site and office based but largely site based and often the office paperwork and emails are completed at the end of each day. I regularly attend meetings in order to understand up coming site works and often have an input to these meetings in some form. I have had the opportunity to work on a number of very large construction projects in the UK. These include the Northern Line Extension in London and also 2 hospitals in the South West of England.

I am studying part time for a BEng in Civil Engineering part time one day a week at the same time as working the other 4 days. I have learnt a number of new skills such as improving my communication through presentations and daily interactions on site. I often attend training courses as part of my job which can be generic to the company or tailored to my role such as Health and Safety courses or Setting Out courses.

Although the job and studying balance is tough to manage I do very much enjoy the programme as I get to work in large teams and always see something constructed as an end result which is extremely rewarding. Also the company organise modules for the cohorts of the School Leavers Programme to go on throughout he year which are focused on developing your skills or team building. These are often based all over the UK such as head office in London or as far as the Lake District, these are often enjoyable as there is the chance to network and communicate with others that are part of the company at a similar age and stage of their career as you.

I feel very valued by Laing O'Rourke as I am often given a lot of responsibility and heavily involved out on site during certain parts of construction. Also my Line Manager arranges regular meetings to review my progress and set short, medium and long term targets.

I believe the programme is very well structured as the people that organise the programme have a structured model outlining the development modules planned and also any School Leaver Programme events which is tailored depending on which cohort you are part of. Information is always provided clearly and in plenty of time when events are being organized giving me lots of time to complete any pre work for the development modules. There is also a coaching system in place which involves regular meetings with one the School Leavers Programme management and producing short, medium and long term aims in order to improve your performance.

The University I attend is very helpful with any problems that arise and it is easy to just go talk to one of the senior lecturers of the course in order to resolve any problems.

At the start of the programme we are provided with a Line Manager and also a mentor and a Cadet buddy. Your mentor is an employee within your field that is able to provide you with help and advice when needed and also to help navigate your career the way you would like it to go. The cadet buddy is a fellow employee on the School Leavers Programme who is in one of the final years. They are their to help you with advice upon starting the programme as they have already been through the process recently and can provide valuable advice.

My salary/package does meet my costs and allows me to live comfortably as well as put some savings away. The company pay for all work and University travel costs such as fuel, bridge tolls, train tickets and hotels which is extremely helpful.

The company do put on a lot of events outside of work such as company meals and sporting events. For example they do an annual Christmas meal which is based in Central London where all travel and hotel expenses are covered as well as the meal which is a black tie event. They also do a number of sporting events such as tag rugby tournaments or project football teams.

Yes

I believe they provide a very good amount of support and also provide a lot of opportunities to developing employees. I also believe the environment you are exposed to is very rewarding and also leads to you developing as a person.

Be confident and do your research as otherwise you will be found out during the telephone and assessment centre days as you will be questioned on the company and also the role you are applying for.