MEICA Engineer Assisstant Review

I started working on site helping out with mechanical and electrical works as well as the H&S requirements and ensuring they are met. This involves SHE inspections , assisting contractors on site and some testing. After this I moved into the DSEAR team and help verify compliance of equipment in hazardous areas and compile/complete handover documentation for the client on the 82o project for Thames Water.

While working with Costain, I have been put forward for Fire Marshal, First Aid, Mental First Aid, Behavioural Safety, P3 Management training, Primevera (P6) Scheduling training and CompeX 9 & 10 training. This is alongside my college work and qualifications. Working for Costain has taught me the importance for quality and helping me develop my document management skills alongside my normal work.

In my programme i have moved from mechanical to electrical to project management courses. I have also experienced working with many different people and environments over the Thames Water region. Costain has allowed me to pursue any additional training I require and will assist where possible. In conclusion, I have enjoyed the difference in work styles and it has allowed me to see where I want to be in the future better. Apart from some rainy days on site, I have enjoyed the experience.

While Costain is my parent company, I was working for a joint venture for the Thames water team. This meant there were multiple inductions and training was sometimes difficult to obtain when it was unsure of where the cost was being allocated. Within the JV, I had some very helpful mentors and supervisors who made sure I was learning and experiencing different challenges, as well as helping me choose my college courses/modules.

My manager, supervisors and mentors have all been splendid and helped as much as they possibly could. The only regret is I didn't ask them for more. Costain has a very useful portal which identifies how most work or HR activities can be resolved. The HR team was very quick and helpful when I got court summons and needed to attend for jury service. The L&D team are always friendly and happy to help where possible.

While at Langley College, I have had some very good tutors/lecturers and some okay tutors/lecturers. Whenever I have asked them for additional help, they have always been happy to help me. For my NVQ, my assessor is always available to talk with and help support me where possible. In general I enjoy my college atmosphere.

While at college I was able to experience some of the manufacturing process that I do not get on site as well as some background into design. Having this learning open to me helps understand the problems in professional manufacturing workshops. The qualification also allows me to understand the theories of processes in the work scenario, ranging from electrical calculations to quality control ideology.

I know that on the Costain website there are lots of charity events that take place and are open invites for the company such as the three peaks or joining parades. In the joint venture I joined playing 5 a side football after work while working near Kingston. The main events that I have joined are the Thames Water boat race held in Reading each year and the JV Christmas parties.

Yes

Costain are happy to support professional development and have a diverse team with some very knowledgeable people for sponsorship or mentoring. Where possible, Costain are happy for flexible and home working and encourage good mental health and well-being. There is a friendly team and people are more than happy to help each other.

When applying to Costain make sure you do some research to understand what they do now as well as what they did in the past. Try to show how good at communicating you are as well as being a team player. Ask yourself where you want to be in 5 years and how you will get there, whether that is through personal endeavours or with the help of the company. Most importantly, be honest.