Inspiring the Next Generation: Summer Placement Students Thrive at VolkerStevin
We recently had two students complete summer placements with us, giving them the opportunity to learn and grow alongside experienced mentors.
We recently had two students complete summer placements with us, giving them the opportunity to learn and grow alongside experienced mentors.
Philip Lloyd undertook his summer placement on our New Wear high-level Footbridge project. He is currently studying civil and structural engineering at Newcastle University. Commenting on his placement, Philip said: “I’ve learnt so much during my placement at VolkerStevin, the team are great, I felt really welcome and everyone is so friendly and approachable.
“At the beginning, I was a bit nervous as I hadn’t done anything like this before, but my responsibilities gradually increased over the 11 weeks I was on site. I gained confidence with every new thing that I did, with each week building on the last. The approach to learning the theory at university to learning in a practical, hands-on way at VolkerStevin was invaluable and I learnt a lot about the industry, business, and contracting.
“I met people from all walks of life, from the client to onsite operatives and engineers. It was also important, from a future perspective, to learn about how different roles in the industry work together collaboratively and how every role has a part to play in ensuring a successful project”
Philip will be returning to VolkerStevin for one day a week, alongside continuing his studies at university.
Mikaela Razon was based on our Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme, she is currently studying civil engineering at the University of Birmingham. Commenting on her placement, Mikaela said: “My time at VolkerStevin has been a fantastic learning opportunity and has broadened my insight of the variety that civil engineering holds.
“Although quite complex when new, the great exposure to construction sites and safety has been thoroughly enriching. Using previously unknown equipment and applying their purposes to different tasks has been my largest takeaway from my time here, I have built a strong foundation for a career that has yet to unfold.
“My newfound knowledge and experience can only be credited to those who have worked alongside me, teaching with patience, great enthusiasm, and creating an environment that fosters space for questions and mistakes – as that is the best way to learn. I am very grateful for my time in the business, and I hope that it is not the last we will see of one another in the years to come.”
It has been great to welcome Phillip and Mikaela into the engineering industry, and we wish them the best of luck with their future studies.
If you are interested in applying for a placement with VolkerStevin you can apply through our Thrive Application Portal: VolkerWessels UK Form (thrive-platform.com)
