Apprentice Construction Manager (Trainee Site Supervisor) Review

by Skanska

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.2/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Site walks looking at progress, access arrangements/logistics, health & safety, opportunities for work etc. Completion of progress reports daily. Frequent interaction with trade operatives/supervisors on a daily basis to clear up issues on site. Looking at construction drawings to prepare for work on site/ensure work is to specification. Attending planning meetings.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have improved my understanding of construction drawings, health and safety and legislation. Interpersonal skills. Confidence. Undertaken courses such as Site Management Safety Training Scheme, Hot Works Passport for Construction, Management of confined spaces. Generally understanding of works on site through shadowing/helping colleagues who have been keen to share their knowledge.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the work and really find the environment one that I enjoy working in. It is fun and busy, with lots of daily problem solving and very reliant on personal relationships.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme itself does not have much structure, and as such is largely determined by the people you are working with such as line manager and by the university side of it. That said the people I have worked with have been very supportive and have gone out of their way to teach me and others.

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Individuals across the board are very supportive of my learning and happiness etc, and there are the opportunities for mentoring, mental health/financial/medical support if needed. They are very flexible with allowing me time for university study.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I have an apprentice specific point of contact who has a catch up/review with me and my line manager every 10-12 weeks. The university course is fully remote, meaning that I have minimal contact with lecturers or support staff, but there are opportunities to contact them 1-2-1 if I needed to, and there are many useful guides etc available to me.

6/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Over the long term it definitely will, giving me the ground knowledge and confidence in it to perform whilst at work. However, in the initial part, my learning at work outpaced that through the training provider by far, meaning the course has not yet felt particularly beneficial. Most of the course at the beginning was management theory/legislation etc. rather than the more practical knowledge to help me day-to-day.

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Not particularly, there have been a few national apprentice events which have provided good networking/social benefits and we have had a few team socials which have been well attended and fun. I am working on a project away from any city life with many people living far away reducing the appetite for these events. The general atmosphere however is very social, and a good mix of relaxed and professional.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend Skanska to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Good values as a company. Friendly and helpful working atmosphere. High quality and interesting projects.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Skanska?

Be confident, personable and have quiet confidence :)