Cadet Engineer Review

I am currently employed by Laing O'Rourke on the 2015 cadet program, as a Trainee building services engineer. daily responsibilities include the handling a various on site packages such as lighting and HVAC services, ensuring they are installed on budget and in line with times scales to a high standard. I am also responsible for the procurement of plant items and performing tender analysis of various quotations and submittals.

Important lessons learnt & knowledge gained during my initial period within the company has been how to deal with program constraints and the importance of working with various interfaces to ensure work is completed inline with timescales. the experience gained here has been extremely beneficial both from positive and negative experiences. in addition to on the job experience, my knowledge of building services systems has significantly increased whilst studying for my HNC/HND, something which helps during day to day duties and understanding technical conversations.

I enjoy the onsite experiences and practical knowledge gained on a daily basis. There is a lot a emphasis placed on development within Laing O'Rourke and you can feel that with the attention and support which is provided. the working environment which you are placed in can be high pressured for the team an sometimes yourself, yet there is still team culture.

Initially as a cadet responsibilities which you receive may sometimes feel relatively minimal, however you always made to feel part of the team in which you are working with and made to feel valued. should you feel or decided you would like more responsibility, line managers are always willing to sit down and have a chat and most often than not provide this greater responsibility with a watchful eye should you require any advice or help. Quarterly reports (which are mandatory as part of the cadet program) are a helpful and effective way in taking a step back and discussing you performance, goals and objectives over a period. here you are able to hear how others has perceived you work and constructive criticisms or helpful pointer can be discussed in a laid back environment.

With a dedicated program team, there is always someone on hand for support should you struggle or be unsure with anything. As part of the program, several cadet modules are undertaken each year, providing a greater insight into the business as well as different learning styles and effective methods which can help in the progression of your career. in addition to this, mentors and line managers are always approachable and are willing to give you responsibilities and help encourage you.

N/A

The Training / Development team can be extremely helpful should you need them, they are always available whether it be by email or telephone and there attitude towards helping out is always well mannered and polite. during the induction period and initial few months within Lain O'Rourke, the support with you receive to help you settle within the business is excellent

The Salary is competitive and inline with the industry

I am told that Laing O'Rourke offers opportunities outside of work such as volunteering and community generation projects, however this is an area in which I have not enquired about.

Yes

Laing O'Rourke is a major player within the construction industry which allows its employees to work on and experience a variety of prestigious high profile projects. Along with this the training which they provide is excellent and delivered in a well structured program, enabling school leavers/trainees/cadets/graduates to gradually experience all areas of construction and building services from higher education to on site training and the innovative business model they use. Through working with Laing O'Rourke you are able to experience how a project is ran from a main contractor perspective, dealing with the supply chain and subcontractors. Overall I would certainly recommended Laing O'Rourke to a friend, not only are they a major company which are well respected , but my own personnel experiences so far have been both enjoyable and extremely educational.

Should someone be successful onto a training program at Laing 0'Rourke, I would encourage them to ask for help should or guidance whenever needed. Everyone within the business are willing to support and help you within your development, should you be concerned with anything it is best to mention it rather than sit on it.