Landscape Architect Review

- Design Landscape Schemes. To include site visits, using software on site and in the office to develop scheme packs to submit to contractors and CDM. To review RAMS ahead of site works. - Manage Risk (trees on road network). To review survey data and programme works based on risk. - Carry out inspections on the road network of the soft estate.

Develop management skills in terms of working with different teams and using software to manage workflow. Develop technical knowledge through on site and external training to develop knowledge. Improve communication skills by using different techniques and tailoring responses for the person receiving them. E.g. not sending technical tree information to someone co-ordinating road space for works.

The programme has helped develop a side of work you don't typically focus on outside of day to day activities. It also gives a good opportunity to take stock and reflect on what you are doing and what you want to achieve in the future and plan how to get there.

The course is set out in to different modules which focus on specific topics. There are then approximately 8 short questions to answer. This works well to be precise and not waffle about the subject and take the relevant points. Regular skype calls are held with our mentor to review progress which is good.

Financial support from employer to be on the course, approx £5000 to the government levy. We are given time each Monday morning to complete a module and time provided to complete calls with our mentor. Our line managers have attended online talks about how to support us.

Regular meetings are held with our mentors via skype to discuss our progress and go over any issues arising. There are quarterly workshops held with our study group and Corndel to go over the topics within the course, discuss progress and how to improve. A whatsapp group was set up for students to discuss the topics.

It will help me develop from a staff member more into a managerial role. While I have no-one working under me it will help with managing contractors and different teams. It will help with time management, prioritising works and helping to delegate jobs to other teams or staff members when required.

There are limited extra-curricular activity groups such as for photography, which are organised by members within the company. Within our team we organise charity volunteer days with groups that are based near to the highway and invite other staff members to get involved. We are given paid leave by the company to do one volunteer day a year.

Yes

Whilst the work may not be the most exciting in the world (looking after a motorway) you get to work with a lot of different teams and get exposure to a lot of different areas of the industry. There are good benefits in terms of a company car and a good work life balance.

Ensure you are happy with the wage you start on as it can take a long time for a promotion to be processed by the company. I think there is good opportunity to develop in the company from the bottom to the top of your team and there is good support with training.