Undergraduate Engineer Review

My placement has been very enjoyable, providing me with exposure to a variety of trades and on-site activities. I was very proud of the project, and greatly enjoyed seeing the progress made as the weeks went by. Even my university lecturer was very impressed with the site and the company as a whole, when he attended for a visit.

I started off my placement with a 1-month stint in surveying, a couple of weeks in operations, and the remainder of the year out in design management. As I was put in charge of a design package, typed up minutes for meetings, and acted as environmental champion (recording meter readings and carrying out site environmental checks) I felt quite reasonably valued, and knew my work was beneficial to the team as a whole.

I was comfortable sitting next to any of the staff, and asking questions about their roles, careers, or even to understand site activities better. I also benefitted greatly from my Sisk 'buddy', who had recently completed the Sisk Excelerate graduate scheme, and so was better placed to understand my confusions and frustrations as an undergraduate engineer.

To be totally honest, on most days, I would have to occupy myself doing work for university (logbooks, dissertation research etc) But on other days, I would be attending client meetings, going on site to carry out as-built surveys, phoning up other subcontractors. My days were very varied, but I was usually reasonably occupied. Of course, managers always need work done. So if you're happy to volunteer yourself, you'll learn something new

I was given a healthy amount of responsibility at the beginning of my placement. Most tasks were admin based, and so did not require much technical know how per say. They were usually more reliant on observational and research skills. However towards the end, my level of responsibility greatly increased. I did not feel totally comfortable with this, as I found I was dealing with specialists, and often felt like I barely understood the issues I was trying to resolve. However, at the ending, I would always walk away with a better level of understanding

The skills I have developed on-site are life changing. I have learnt so much more than I could have ever learnt in a classroom (I know everyone says this but it is the absolute truth!) If you are considering a placement year, with Sisk, or any other company, definitely take it! Things will start to make so much more sense in your head once you see what goes on (and what goes wrong) on site!!

The general atmosphere in the office was pleasant. Everybody got along generally, but workplace politics can always be expected to exist. The office was not very diverse, but it was probably still a good representation of the local community. Everyone in the office is well aware of their responsibilities and duties.

The interview and recruitment process was very straight forward, with quite a quick offer of employment. However, I did not find out my exact site location until a month before my start date. To be fair, you do sign up to this when you apply, by agreeing to be fully flexible to locations. The overall placement was well enough organised to allow me to gain experience in different departments (operations, surveying, design management)

I did undergo various training for software and sisk processes. I also received first aid training, which i something I have always wanted to do. Sisk was always more than happy to provide additional training, if it bettered how you completed your tasks. There was a Sisk appraisal, which was very useful for assessing and identifying areas of development

I personally think Sisk Excelerate graduate scheme is one of the best out there. It allows yo to gain experience on various projects, in various locations; so by the end of the three year programme, you are well out of your comfort zone, and are able to act in roles of management/senior management.

There was drinks on Friday at the local pub. Christmas parties and social outings were also fully paid for, acting as a nice treat. There was also a Friday health and safety quiz session, which soon turned to a Friday Pop Culture quiz! Colleagues definitely got on quite well with each other,

It was dirt cheap. I was able to find cheap accommodation nearby, and as fuel expenses were covered, I was also able to go back home and visit family often. I often found that as it was not a very multicultural area, I was quite limited on the type of socialising I could do. No shoobz for me out here.

I only went out once, and this was with work colleagues. I did not find it appealing to me personally, as it was quite limited in terms of the range of the music. Also, it was quite rough. However, the local lads were always put, so hey, if it works for you...

Sisk had activities available, like cycling tours and marathons, and other healthy activities. Personally not my thing. There was also fund raising for issues eg epilepsy. There was summer balls, all fully aid for and award ceremonies, and conferences. I guess, it is what you make of it with this one.