Construction Cadet Review

I work for GRCUK who make glass reinforced concrete (GRC) which is a owned by Laing O'Rourke. One of our current projects in fitting out 3 stations for Cross Rail with GRC panels. My job role is to manage free issue items which (fixings) that attach concrete panels to the frames in the tunnels at Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street and Whitechapel Station. I also have roles in quality checking frames that are erected in the tunnels at our sub contractor as well as being involved in the deliveries of GRC to site.

On the programme you attend module events which help you with becoming more professional, how to deal with situations etc. My first module event is next week. You attend roughly 3 or 4 a year. I have learnt more at work than I have at university after being here 6 months. The project is very complicated and you learn so much in your first 6 months. Some of your work overlaps with university which helps give you a better understanding.

Overall, I do enjoy the programme. Some of the programmes you are able to work on are out of this world! I get on very well with my team at GRC who were very welcoming upon arrival. Like anything there are downsides. Some of my work can be boring and tedious but you just have to push yourself through it! (This is only a small percentage of work) Every day is different too which keeps things interesting!

Very valued! My manager gives me responsibility which stretches me and helps me develop my knowledge of the project. I had a months induction upon starting which involved spending time in all of the areas at GRC.

The induction was very good. It was a 3 day event in Windsor and gave you time to meet your cohort for drinks afterwards. The induction event was informative and filled you with excitement to start your programme. I have great support from my manager. I am yet to go to a module event but feedback from colleges suggests they are useful!

I study at Sheffield Hallam University and get a fair amount of support. As I have only been studying 6 months I haven't gone for support as such but I feel if you do ask for help, tutors are happy to help.

I have great support from all members of my team! My manager is understanding if I have any issues and helps me out wherever he can.

£15,000 is a very good salary if you still live at home. More than enough to enjoy yourself! This increases each year.

I personally haven't been to many but you make friends at work and can join in/arrange activities. My colleagues at GRCUK are doing Tough Mudder in May which was arranged between themselves.

Yes

It is a great opportunity to get a degree and earn a good salary. You don't just have a degree after 5 years, you also have 5 years work experience which looks great on your CV. You also get a company car in your 4th year which is either a BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A class or an Audi A3.

On your assessment day, you will be in a group of around 6 people. Please do not feel you have to compete with the other applicants as this is not the case. There are cohorts with up to 60 people. Also there may be a group discussion. Please do not feel the need to shout up and be the loudest. The key is to show you can also listen as well as coming up with ideas. Just be yourself, everyone has weaknesses, if they ask be honest and let them know you acknowledge your weaknesses and you intend to improve etc.