Project Controls Assistant Review

Scheduling, planning and reporting on cost, risk and safety. I support the PM's on there work and aid as a consultant for the project and team. Going through change control papers to curate when on site and to analyse (in summary) when off site. I have aided with business planning and have managed clients responses (wants and needs) as well as contractors. This includes creating trackers but also talking to lots of people in the office (on-site) in order to create a programme of works for a section on a build, and how that fits in with others on site, and there work being carried out.

I have learnt lots of bew software, ie. planning software but also safety software that is specific to each project site. I have gotten better at organising in a format that better suits everyone in the business rather than just myself. I have developed my IT skills and accomplished a lot more engagement with presentations and my speech skills. I have navigated business planning, high-level synthesis reporting, change papers, data planning, programme of works, issuing scope of works and quotes to contractors working on site, make ready needs, client - business relationships, chairing meetings, etc...

I was given a lot of responsibility in my role. Delegating roles, issuing cost/change reports, all which could cost the company money if not done correctly. I was not just supporting others but I have been supporting clients and helping projects with there work, and when I was intrigued in another area of the business, I was given tasks accordingly, over time the responsibilities and liability rested on my shoulder. All training is given, help and advice is provided throughout and you are directed more at the beginning, but once your team can see your skills and gets used to the way you work they, tend to slowly give you more and more reponsibility.

Training and safety briefs are given before anything new to you. At the start of the placement you have daily catchups with your project manager and they direct you with tasks, give you feedback, tell you where to find certain documents and are generally there to help whenever you are in a pickle. Support and guidance is given throughout. When you first join you are greeted with a line manager for all the project moves, paper work and wellbeing needs. You are also equipped with a buddy, who is more similar in age and is there to chat whenever. There is also opputunity to do extended modules/training courses and to gain a mentor throughout your stay here.

Company culture was inviting and social, within the PMO team it is very lively everyone with a 'give it a go' character and mostly prioritise everyones health and wellbeing. I love going in to the office, I have other placement friends who I can go for lunch with or a coffee and have a little work catch up. As well asking each other for help or advice, if they are working in another department, this helps a lot. There were regular socials in the department, and extended socials for other networking groups, that anyone can get involved in.

I loved my placement, the general atmosphere was uplifting. Having the flexibility of working from home allowed me to have a more improved work-life balance. I enjoyed the socials and meeting other placement student/ grads and apprentices. Whatever areas i was intrigued in i was encouraged to pursue and understand myself. It allowed me to stay passionate and invited new tasks and skills into my role, which was very stimulating. This placement as allowed me to understand more of what I like and what I want to do in the future.

Yes

Take advantage of the role you are in, and expose yourself to more-take the most out of this placement. It is one of the best stepping stones into construction/consultancy and it truly allows you to find your passion, or what you at good at. I would say that changing projects is one of the best ways to do this, you get to explore more of the business, and understand a greater amount, which can either help you in your role or help you by showing you somethin else you are really good at. This company also love when you want to work abroad they are massive advocates of it.