Undergraduate engineer Review

The work was realistic of what would be expected of me later in my career, whilst also giving me a chance to learn about a range of different construction methods.

Everyone at Sisk are there to help you as they appreciate you are inexperienced, at the same time you are expected to put in the work in order to be earn their trust.

My supervisor was readily available if I ever did need any support. They were especially useful at the beginning of my placement easing me into life on a construction site.

At the start of my placement it obviously took a short time to get into the swing of things, however once you get going your days will always be interesting facing new challenges.

I was given what I feel is the right amount of responsibility for me. They didn't hide me behind anyone and I was able to make mistakes, from which I learned. On the flip side if I ever did feel out of my depth there was always someone to talk to.

I have learnt a lot of soft skills from working on a construction site which will benefit me in all assets of life. The relevance of what I did on site does not directly tie into what my degree teaches, however, this is more a criticism of my degree as what I learnt on my year out is relevant to the job.

The atmosphere was professional, but relaxed. Everyone in the office got along, and were friendly in what could have been a daunting environment working away from home for the first time.

Everything was set up for me from the start, in my first week I was sent on training courses that allowed me to get on site. Sisk have their own graduate scheme which the supervisors stole bits from to help give some structure to the year placement.

As previously mentioned I was sent on training courses for various things at the start of my year, although the onus was on being on site and learning as much there.

From discussions I have had with people within the company my future seems to be with Sisk. Their graduate programme is well run and looks to be a good way for me to transition into working life.

There were no other placement students here but a few of the engineers were similar ages, and we did have 1 or 2 nights together a week

Prices were reasonable for a city, but in contracting you could be based anywhere, I was in Newcastle.

I didn't really go out in Newcastle that often due to not really knowing anyone who lived here permanently. It was good when I did go out though. Again you could be based anywhere with Sisk.

There was a 5 a side football sporadically throughout my time in Newcastle although it wasn't a regular thing. Apart from that there wasn't much on, although I wasn't very active in looking into it.