"It’s a lot more interesting experiencing site works in person than watching them in a video."

When Billy joined us on work placement, he brought with him a fantastic attitude and eagerness to learn. We knew then he’d be a great fit for Team Robertson and offered him an apprenticeship. Read on to find out from Billy how he feels about his learning experience so far.

When I started college to begin a T-level in design, planning and surveying in construction, I was planning on being a civil engineer. A family member runs a civils business so the idea was that I would eventually work there.

However, that all changed following my work experience with Robertson. I completed two placements – one on site at Sheffield University and the other at Chesterfield College where I was studying, and where Robertson was constructing a new Engineering and Sciences facility. 

At that point I didn’t understand how a construction project was run as I’d never been on site. It was great seeing first-hand the activities and works that go on – for instance the management meetings with customers and subcontractors, day-to-day coordination, and learning about services like M&E which were new to me.

Everyone was really friendly and happy to explain things, and I was given the chance to get involved in tasks which my supervisor would check I’d carried out correctly. The whole experience made me realise that the site management side of construction was for me.

After the second placement I was offered a Trainee Site Manager role with Robertson, including a fully-funded two-year apprenticeship in Construction Management – I was made up. I’m now back on site at Chesterfield College with the same site team, which is fantastic because it’s a great project and I know everyone.

I spend one day at university and the rest of the week on site where I’m shadowing the Senior Site Manager to get a feel for the role. I enjoy being hands on – it’s a lot more interesting experiencing site works in person than watching them in a video, and I can apply what I learn on site at university. 

It’s good getting back to studies too – at the moment the focus is on foundational topics such as construction methods, which are all things I need to know to progress in site management.

It was a fairly big jump, going from college to work and study, but I was ready for it. I know things will get more challenging as I progress, but the site team are so supportive and made it clear from the start they’re here for me whenever I need help or guidance.