Mechanical and Electrical Site Engineer Review

I am a Mechanical and Electrical Site Engineer within Laing O'Rourke's in-house company Crown House Technologies. This part of the company deals with the building services of the construction process. My role involves the pre-construction and construction process. In pre-construction, I check mechanical and electrical services designs to ensure the deign will work as well as have an input to the programme, labour management and procurement of materials. In the construction process I manage operatives on site for programme, cost and logistics as well as monitor progress and quality of install. I work with all operatives on site, with managers in meetings, with design consultants and with the architect to ensure the design works. I have worked on leisure centres, a hospital, the Manchester City Football Stadium and am currently working on the Royce Institute for the University of Manchester.

I am currently working towards my Building Services Engineering degree therefore have furthered my knowledge in the area, such and heating, cooling, electrical distribution and maths/critical analysis skills. Within the company I have completed courses such as my first aid at work, fire marshall, and numerous health and safety courses. My communication skills have improved from working with people on site daily as well as my problem solving skills to overcome designs that don't work.

I have enjoyed the programme as at work I have been given the opportunity to take on responsibilities such as manage my own packages and areas on site. The team I have is supportive as I have a mentor, a line manager and other people on the training programme who can help me. The company has a good culture as all the people on the training programme meet 3 times a year for team building and socialize. The programme has met my expectations to provide both theoretical learning at university and practical learning at work.

I feel that I am valued, as in my one to one reviews and yearly appraisals I often get excellent feedback, and constructive ways that I can improve on my performance. I have been allowed to take responsibility for aspects of different projects which shows trust.

We had a three day induction in London which covered all aspects of the programme and introduced us to our fellow cohort. Training is provided through university and 3 times a year we meet to have team building and learn about the industry and company from managers and leaders within the company. We are allowed 3 study days per year off from work to allow us time to revise or get assignments done for university. The team is clearly structured and I know who to report to as well as who to ask help from. The programme overall is well organized.

Our training provider is a university therefore we have lecturers that are available to contact over email and book meetings with them when we are in university. They often provide good online content which is clear for our studies and are helpful.

My manager often helps within university work and always helps with work that I am struggling with. The HR team provide help when needed. All support and guidance is provided over email, phone or meetings therefore I never feel that I cant get help. They have an excellent attitude in supporting and developing us on the training programme

My salary is good in comparison to other employers, it covers my living costs and all daily travel and daily food etc that I need. Travel costs are covered my mileage expense allowance and my car is covered my a monthly payment for a car allowance. The location is currently good but can change depending where the projects are.

There aren't many company events however there are some company activities such as charity runs etc. Volunteering is supported such as giving presentations in schools and colleges. I am currently a mentor for a student at a college which gives me good mentoring skills such as communication and giving advice. Often the site team will play 5-a-side football weekly which is good to bond with colleagues outside of work.

Yes

The company provide good training and support to help develop your career. The benefits are good such as company car/car allowance as well as private medical insurance. Furthermore, the opportunities are good within the company such as working abroad and good exposure to the construction industry working on multimillion pound projects around the world.

For the application process, ensure that a good CV and cover letter with any work experience is included. Ensure that in the interviews some research has been done on the company, any innovative technologies currently within the industry and any major projects the company is involved in. On the assessment day ensure that all the previous points have been revised. I would have like to have been told to research technologies within the industry as this shows that your are interested in the role you are applying for.