| | Costain |
| | Worcestershire |
| | Current |
Age: 30 years
Town/Region from: Birmingham
Workplace location: Costain, Worcestershire
What were you doing before? Working for VGC on HS2
What made you want to apply for this role?
This role really aligned with the path I am pursuing in the construction industry and my university studies. It is also an introduction to a new sector coming from a civils background being introduced to the water sector, which interested me and is another challenge to take on.
Is this an area of work you were always interested in – what influenced your decision to apply?
I have always been interested in the construction industry and have always been interested in the way different structures are built, and further down the line, it sparked my interest in the way construction projects are managed.
How is your job helping to support the delivery of Costain?
I am currently the site foreman at Upper Sapey, assisting Costain in constructing the new and upgraded Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) in the area, while helping to meet project deadlines, upholding Costain’s policies, and managing the site team.
What does your day-to-day role entail?
My day-to-day role involves briefing the team in the morning, discussing the works for the day, detailing any health and safety issues that could arise from those tasks, and outlining them with the team to identify control measures that can be put in place to eliminate or reduce risks. This is followed by carrying out site inspections, i.e., excavations, temporary works, first aid, fire safety, PUWER and LOLER checks. If inductions are required, these are carried out for new operatives/professionals/visitors new to the job. Throughout the day, I will:
- Oversee all the works taking place
- Issue permits required
- Write up or review RAMS required for new tasks
- Carry out HAVS, COSHH and manual handling assessments
- Hold a meeting with the site team, communicating ongoing works, progress, health and safety concerns and the project’s programme
- Ensure the site has all provisions required, i.e., plant, equipment, materials, and welfare items
- Ensure health and safety is being adhered to.
- Undergo Site Audits done by STW or Costain.
Jamal’s comment on completing his NVQ Level 4 Diploma, and his ongoing Construction Management degree:
I am currently pursuing my Construction Management degree, having just completed my second year. So far, it has been an interesting experience, and I have learnt a lot about the built environment, management structures, cost management, contracts, health and safety and sustainability. Additionally, with the help of VGC, I have completed my NVQ level 4 Diploma in Construction Site Supervision, which has helped me develop and demonstrate my competence within a supervisory role.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best aspects of my job are the new experiences and the opportunity to continually learn and develop. I enjoy meeting professionals and like-minded people from different disciplines, gaining knowledge about the industry, and being part of the team that delivers these projects. This experience helps me become more competent and established in my role by acquiring new skills.
What do you enjoy most about what you are doing?
I enjoy constantly improving as both an individual and a team player and being part of the team that delivers these projects.
What made you want to join Costain?
The main reason is the same as the reason I would like to join any company, it has always been based on the working environment and the company’s culture, the people I work with, and being part of the team. I met people who are generally concerned not just about delivering a quality project, but also about building a quality workforce, which provides opportunities to those who want to learn, work hard, and pursue their dreams. This can be said for the people I work with at VGC. Additionally, Costain is a well-established organisation, ranked 15th out of 100 in the UK, and the prospect of growing and developing as a professional is also important to me.
What’s it like to be starting your career/working on such a huge project?
It is truly special, a part of AMP 7 going into AMP 8, and means a lot to me coming from where I come from. Proving to myself and others in my background that we can achieve whatever we put our mind to with hard work and dedication.
What do you hope to achieve?
If I am honest, the sky is the limit. I am hoping to get to a construction management role, aligning with university studies. In the future, I aspire to a role that involves being a project leader or director, allowing me to be involved in the conversations that shape the built environment.
Would you encourage others to think about working on Costain – what would your advice be?
Yes, I would! I mentioned earlier that the work environment is very important to me, and here they give you the opportunity to grow. I have some mentors here who have been instrumental to my development. My advice would be to work hard, listen and observe, be helpful, always communicate what you need, don’t hesitate to ask questions, go the extra mile for your team (if the work environment allows), and just be yourself. It would be dishonest if I didn’t mention VGC, they have also been extremely important to my development, so I would also encourage others to work with them also. They have put me through training, gave me the opportunity to gain more qualifications and put me into places where I can create more opportunities. There are a select few that are important who check if I am doing well, if there is anything I need and will always help me progress to the next stage in my career.
