Commercial Trainee Review

I work in the estimating department and predominantly work on framework bids and in-framework bids for many clients. My role involves undertaking measures of civil works involved in constructing a new, or making significant upgrades to treatment works, pipelines, reservoirs, dams etc. I issue subcontract, material and plant enquiries for each tender.

At uni, more recently, we are undertaking a module based on Advanced Measurement which will allow me to link knowledge from modules into my day-to-day work activities such as producing take-offs and measures based off design drawings. At work, we mainly use CESMM4 for civil works whilst my assignment is based on NRM2 which will allow me to develop an understanding on multiple measurement specifications.

My time at Kier has so far been really enjoyable and the support I receive from the team has been a contributing factor to this. Working in a department with experienced colleagues has enabled me to get the most out of my Degree Apprenticeship as knowledge learned in the workplace can be transferred to my studies at university, and vice versa.

There has been multiple times where I have needed time away from my day-to-day activities at work in order to get an assignment over the line and my line manager has always been very supportive of this, which has allowed me to achieve high grades in a number of modules. This reflects how well organised my training programme is as I can balance both my work duties and university assignments.

Working in a department with experienced colleagues has enabled me to get the most out of my Degree Apprenticeship as knowledge learned in the workplace can be transferred to my studies at university, and vice versa. There has been multiple times where I have needed time away from my day-to-day activities at work in order to get an assignment over the line and my line manager has always been very supportive of this

We receive a great deal of support from SHU as they cater for us throughout the whole week when we go there for week blocks 4 times a year. Learning activities are engaging and there are many different contacts within SHU who we can contact should we need any further support.

I enjoyed looking into different types of measurement specifications which link into my work life using NRM2. I also enjoyed completing my website for WBL which reflects my understanding on KSBs and highlights those that I am working towards – I presented the contents of my website to around 8 other students and I believe feel I performed well. I achieved around 60% overall on task 1 & 2 for WBL although had I included more content on reflection and learning theories, then I would have scored much higher.

There are opportunities to get involved in this at Kier which range from doing sponsored walks/runs in order to achieve a milestone global to all Kier employess. I got involved in this along with other employees which was very social and for a good cause, which allowed us to also raise money for charity.

Yes

Kier is a great company to work for as they are very supportive of individual goals which also contribute to the overall success of the company. I have been given many great opportunities to develop my knowledge and understanding in a variety of different topics and have also been given the opportunity to achieve a degree.

I was given the advice of asking as many questions as possible which is something i would reiterate to any new starters at Kier. The company is full of experienced professionals with great knowledge of contruction and by asking questions regularly you can pick up on the knowledge from others.