Health, Safety and Environmental Trainee

What first attracted you to Galliford try?

What first attracted me to Galliford Try was the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals across so many different areas of the business. I liked the idea of being part of a company where I could gain exposure to a wide range of projects while learning from subject matter experts with different skills, knowledge and experience.

I was also impressed by the emphasis Galliford Try places on developing its people. The opportunity to work alongside different teams and continually learn from those around me means I'm constantly building my knowledge and gaining a broader understanding of the industry. That commitment to learning and development was a big reason why I wanted to join the company.

What do you like best about your job?

What I like best about my job is the variety, and the opportunity to make a positive impact. I enjoy working with different people across the business, building relationships, and seeing how everyone contributes to achieving the same goal.

I also like that there's always something new to learn. Every project and every challenge is different, so I'm constantly developing my knowledge and gaining new experiences. It's rewarding to be in a role where I can continue to grow while contributing to a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible workplace.

What skills are important for your role?

I think some of the most important skills for a Health, Safety and Environmental role are communication, organisation and a willingness to keep learning. Being able to communicate effectively with people at all levels is essential, whether you're asking questions, sharing information, providing guidance or working together to solve problems.

Attention to detail is also really important, as the role involves identifying potential risks, reviewing information and helping to ensure the right standards are maintained. Being organised and proactive helps when managing different tasks and priorities, while having the confidence to speak up and challenge things when needed plays an important part in creating a positive safety culture. Most importantly, being open to learning from others and continuing to develop your knowledge is key, as health, safety and environmental practices are always evolving.

How are you supported in your role?

I feel very well supported in my role, particularly through the guidance of my amazing mentor and my line manager. They are always available to offer support, answer questions and provide advice, while also encouraging me to challenge myself and continue developing. They regularly provide me with opportunities to improve my knowledge, put my skills into practice and gain experience in new areas.

I also receive a lot of support from other managers working on site, who are always willing to share their knowledge and experience. Learning from people with different backgrounds and perspectives has helped me strengthen my understanding and see how different areas of the business work together. Having such a supportive team around me has been a key part of my development and has helped me build confidence in my role.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

My proudest moment so far was finding out that I was the first Health, Safety and Environmental trainee in the business. I felt really proud to be given the opportunity to develop in the role and make a positive impact within the business.

I have also been proud of the opportunities I have been given to put my knowledge into practice, particularly when carrying out site audits and applying what I have learned in a working environment. Being able to support the team with the knowledge and experience I have gained has been extremely rewarding and has shown me how much I have developed since starting my journey.

Having the trust and support from those around me to take on new challenges and continue learning has made this a really meaningful experience, and I’m proud of the progress I have made so far.

What advice would you have for someone starting out?

My advice for someone starting out would be to always be willing to learn and make the most of every opportunity you are given. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as there is a huge amount of knowledge and experience around you to draw on.

I would also encourage people to get involved in as many different areas of the business as possible and take every opportunity to challenge themselves. Speaking to different people, gaining different perspectives and putting your knowledge into practice will help you develop both professionally and personally.

Most importantly, stay curious, be proactive and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. The more you engage with the people around you and the opportunities available, the more you will learn and grow in your role.