As with any job, you must undergo induction training. First day involved a tour around the facilities, meeting the various departments. I was introduced to my PPE, which consisted of the fluorescent jackets, trousers, hard hat, gloves, ear protectors, boots and safety googles. It seems that not many engineers at this site have size 4 feet. So they were specially ordered for me. I can't wait to get all kitted out to go on site! Slightly more PPE than what I wore at the chemical engineering plant!
Now no induction training is complete without a fire drill. As a matter of fact, an unscheduled fire alarm went off during the morning. So I have been truly inducted!
As part of the induction training, I sat an online training course on bribery and corruption in the workplace. After which I had to complete an assessment. It was very interesting to see what was considered as bribery and all gifts must be catalogued.
One thing that struck me is that the company has no phones. They conduct all their calls via 'Skype for Business' and have scheduled conference calls with colleagues at other sites as well as clients. I had the opportunity to speak to other landscape architects during a conference call.
My mentor Bryn, introduced me to staff I will be shadowing during my two weeks. I have learnt that being a civil engineer requires you to be very flexible indeed. Site visits can be cancelled at last minute due to various reasons ranging from conflict in diaries, change in leglisation within the near future and equipment required on an alternate site.
Already, on my first day, I have been introduced to landscape architects, hydrogeologists, environmental managers, the legal team, contaminated land specialists, surface water technologists, bridge engineers and modellers. Although you know that these areas exist, I don't think I ever appreciated how much planning has to go into planning a site. Can't wait to learn more about what this company does!
Now no induction training is complete without a fire drill. As a matter of fact, an unscheduled fire alarm went off during the morning. So I have been truly inducted!
As part of the induction training, I sat an online training course on bribery and corruption in the workplace. After which I had to complete an assessment. It was very interesting to see what was considered as bribery and all gifts must be catalogued.
One thing that struck me is that the company has no phones. They conduct all their calls via 'Skype for Business' and have scheduled conference calls with colleagues at other sites as well as clients. I had the opportunity to speak to other landscape architects during a conference call.
My mentor Bryn, introduced me to staff I will be shadowing during my two weeks. I have learnt that being a civil engineer requires you to be very flexible indeed. Site visits can be cancelled at last minute due to various reasons ranging from conflict in diaries, change in leglisation within the near future and equipment required on an alternate site.
Already, on my first day, I have been introduced to landscape architects, hydrogeologists, environmental managers, the legal team, contaminated land specialists, surface water technologists, bridge engineers and modellers. Although you know that these areas exist, I don't think I ever appreciated how much planning has to go into planning a site. Can't wait to learn more about what this company does!