As part of our investment in the future of the construction industry, we regularly work with aspiring young people to give them an insight into what it’s like to work at Fleming.
Most recently we had the pleasure of hosting Ben White, a BSc Hons Construction Management student from Glasgow Caledonian University. Ben joined us in June 2023 for a 6-month placement, shadowing a mixture of onsite Project Managers and spending six weeks with our head office team.
We caught up with Ben before he wrapped up in December to learn more about his experience.
Favourite part about working on site?
“Learning in real life, more than I have ever learned in class. Also speaking to people and building relationships.”
Was being onsite what you expected?
“I had never been on a construction site before, so it was good to learn about what actually happens”
What did you do during your six weeks in head office?
“I worked in the purchasing department – this helped me to understand the purchasing process, the systems we use and how materials actually get to site -it was good to understand it from the other perspective.
I assisted Euan McDermott, Pre Construction Manager – looked at risk from pre construction point of view at tender stage by analysing drawings/site location and reading pre construction info.
Finally I spent time gathering info and evidence for my placement module report.”
What was your experience like onsite?
“I wanted to be onsite and chose Burnbrae in Bonnyrigg because it was a Passivhaus project – so I knew it would be more exciting and challenging.
I learned so much from the guys onsite, the experience has helped me to build my confidence dealing with a range of people at all different levels throughout the business.
The guys knew I was learning and were happy to take the time to explain things to me, towards the end I felt more confident and was doing site inductions by myself.”
What’s your plans now going forward?
“I’m heading back to uni. The placement module is optional but I would definitely recommend it to someone who is doing my course. It was a good break from uni and not to worry about exams”.
“This has been my first full-time job and it’s been good to be in a routine and earning money. It will definitely be helpful to me when I finish uni and start looking for a job.
The placement has helped me understand the whole process from onsite to the office – even when I was onsite, I had no idea what happened in the office.
It has helped me to understand who people are and what they do.”
How would you summarise the experience?
“Working full time feels normal to me now so I think it will be an adjustment going back to uni but I’m looking forward to it. The six months has flown !”
We’re always on the lookout for bright, young talent to join us here at Fleming.
If that sounds like you, then get in touch with us via office@flemingbuild.com to learn more about our apprenticeship scheme or University placements.
