Work experience students learn about myriad of job opportunities in civil engineering 16th Aug 2017
Students who signed up for our 2017 work experience week went away with a greater understanding of the wide choice of careers possible in a civil engineering firm.
A packed schedule saw the eight students, aged from 14 to 17, visit Jones Bros construction sites, meet trainees and apprentices at the in-house training centre, and talk to professionals on career paths in head office roles such as finance and HR.
They heard about life in roles such as site construction and plant operatives ; civil engineering, quantity surveying, commercial management, and specialist support functions such as environmental management, health & safety and finance.
The wide choice of career routes from a variety of entry levels from school-leavers to graduates, was also explored.
The week culminated in the participants competing against each other in two teams to design and bid to construct a new housing estate.
The students, who came from Chester, Llanrwst and Bala, as well as the company’s home town of Ruthin, all said the experience had been valuable.
Jones Bros HSEQ and careers administrator, Meriel Evans , who organised the work experience week, said the diversity of roles had surprised everyone.
“They said they learned a lot about the industry,” she said.
“We wanted the students to understand more about the opportunities available to them and also what it is like to work in the industry.
“We structured the week to give them a chance to hear from our managers, and understand some of the skills they would develop while working here.
“They spent time on a wind farm construction site, at our training area, and at our head office.
“We want to encourage more young people to consider a career in construction .”
Students’ comments included:
- “I was impressed with the size of the company. I had no idea it was so big and had so many different roles”
- “Despite being a big company, everyone is really friendly and approachable”
- “It was good to see lots of females in managing roles”
- “After being here this week, civil engineering is now definitely what I want to do”
Meriel added: “We’re hopeful that some of them will come back for future placements.”
Jones Bros director Ruth James said: “Our work experience week is a great opportunity to provide young people with a real insight to working for a civil engineering contractor .
“At Jones Bros we strongly believe that investing in the training and development of our people has been key to our success and we are committed to continuing with this philosophy in the future. Taking time to help young people understand the career paths construction can offer is important to help them make the right choices.”