Graduate Engineer Review

I was taught Highway Engineering. I began with identifying the need of the strategic road network. Identifying defects in the carriageway and testing them to identity the type of defects present. Then I proposed a treatment for the defect and got it agreed by the client. Then I did the detailed design of the scheme, proposing the required traffic management, liaising with local authorities and producing drawings for the scheme. Also identifying and mitigating the designers risks according to CDM regulations.

Yes, in this role I have learned how to produce autoCAD drawings and the autotrack software. I have also greatly improved my presentation skills as I have been involved in presenting to the client and local authorities. I have also learned about the details of highway engineering how the different assets of the highway interact to benefit the user experience.

I did enjoy my time working at Kier. I enjoyed the work greatly as there was a variety of the work over the 2 years I have worked here. My team has also been very supportive in encouraging my learning and encouraging my professional development. Overall I have learned a lot and I am looking forward to what my future at Kier will bring.

Sadly, my structure of graduate program was not as structured as I would like. The communication I had from my training supervisor was limited and they changed providers halfway through the training. Despite this I have learned alot mainly from my line manager who has instructed me on the best way in performing my job.

The amount of support I received from Kier was great. They were supportive in developing me professionally giving me many different options for training in many different things related to my job. My line manager was keen for me to be involved in different types of project to gain more experience in the various aspects of the highway maintence.

During the training period when I was face to face with my tutor I gained a lot of knowledge during the training. However once the training was done I only received limited assistance and had to do a lot of self learning. Also we have changed providers halfway through the course which has caused a delay in completion.

My qualification allows me to communicate more effectively in my role especially with presenting to the client. This is due to the focus on different personality types and how to most effectively communicate with them. One of the benefits in the future is that this training will allow me to be a better line manager as I will be able to change my leadership style in accordance to the followers need.

Yes there are several different out of work events happening on a semi regular basis. As a team/ office we go out once a quarter give or take and go out to an event. Also they are very keen for members of professional bodies to go to networking events regularly.

Yes

The work they undertake is interesting and varied and there appears to be opportunity for younger people to progress within the industry. They also offer great support for you within your team when you are first starting your career. The training they provide is good but the team bonding is better. Overall I have enjoyed my time here.

When applying show willing to learn, they understand that you can't know everything but show that you want to learn and you will go far. Be honest with them what expectations you have even when you don't know what you want to do. I know I did and they seemed to appreciate the honesty.