Commercial Trainee Review
at Kier Group
Degree Apprenticeship
Construction
Manchester
Review Submitted: February 2022
Overall Rating
4.1 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I work in the estimating department and predominantly work on framework bids and in-framework bids for many clients. My role involves undertaking measures of civil works involved in constructing a new, or making significant upgrades to treatment works, pipelines, reservoirs, dams etc. I issue subcontract, material and plant enquiries for each tender.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
My time at Kier has so far been really enjoyable and the support I receive from the team has been a contributing factor to this. Working in a department with experienced colleagues has enabled me to get the most out of my Degree Apprenticeship as knowledge learned in the workplace can be transferred to my studies at university, and vice versa.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
At uni, more recently, we are undertaking a module based on Advanced Measurement which will allow me to link knowledge from modules into my day-to-day work activities such as producing take-offs and measures based off design drawings. At work, we mainly use CESMM4 for civil works whilst my assignment is based on NRM2 which will allow me to develop an understanding on multiple measurement specifications.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
There has been multiple times where I have needed time away from my day-to-day activities at work in order to get an assignment over the line and my line manager has always been very supportive of this, which has allowed me to achieve high grades in a number of modules. This reflects how well organised my training programme is as I can balance both my work duties and university assignments.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Working in a department with experienced colleagues has enabled me to get the most out of my Degree Apprenticeship as knowledge learned in the workplace can be transferred to my studies at university, and vice versa. There has been multiple times where I have needed time away from my day-to-day activities at work in order to get an assignment over the line and my line manager has always been very supportive of this
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
We receive a great deal of support from SHU as they cater for us throughout the whole week when we go there for week blocks 4 times a year. Learning activities are engaging and there are many different contacts within SHU who we can contact should we need any further support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I enjoyed looking into different types of measurement specifications which link into my work life using NRM2. I also enjoyed completing my website for WBL which reflects my understanding on KSBs and highlights those that I am working towards – I presented the contents of my website to around 8 other students and I believe feel I performed well. I achieved around 60% overall on task 1 & 2 for WBL although had I included more content on reflection and learning theories, then I would have scored much higher.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are opportunities to get involved in this at Kier which range from doing sponsored walks/runs in order to achieve a milestone global to all Kier employess. I got involved in this along with other employees which was very social and for a good cause, which allowed us to also raise money for charity.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Kier Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Kier is a great company to work for as they are very supportive of individual goals which also contribute to the overall success of the company. I have been given many great opportunities to develop my knowledge and understanding in a variety of different topics and have also been given the opportunity to achieve a degree.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Kier Group?
I was given the advice of asking as many questions as possible which is something i would reiterate to any new starters at Kier. The company is full of experienced professionals with great knowledge of contruction and by asking questions regularly you can pick up on the knowledge from others.
