Civil Engineering

Sarah Jopling

"I would definitely recommend a placement with JN Bentley.  I got a lot out of my year with the company, have learnt new skills and grown in confidence, and I got the opportunity to work on a large site with many different people."

Degree: Civil Engineering University: Teesside University Office Location: Durham / Site Dates: 2010/11

Q1. What attracted you to J N Bentley and why did you apply?

I applied for the placement with JN Bentley because they work in a number of different sectors, meaning that I would gain a lot of information, skills and experience during my placement.  I knew I would be able to develop my site skills and get an insight into the 'design' aspect of civil engineering. 

 

Q2. What were your day-to-day responsibilities?

My year long placement was split into two parts. For the first six months I was based on site in the role of Site Engineer.  My tasks included setting up equipment, marking out, writing site diaries and some risk assessments, supervising site teams, filing and costing, organising scaffold inspections and carrying out alloy tower inspections and site inductions, and ordering supplies.

In February I moved from site and became a Project Leader within the Durham office.  Here I designed a range of schemes, was able to visit new jobs, and devised solutions to problems.  I would use computer programmes such as AutoCAD.

 

Q3. Were you provided with enough support and guidance?

Both on site and in the office there was always someone I could ask if I needed extra help or just had a couple of questions to ask.  On site I worked alongside a Contracts Manager, Site Agent, QS, M&E Project Leader and a Site Foreman, so there were plenty of people to ask advice for a range of different issues.

Within the office I worked as part of a team therefore there was always someone close by if I needed help. I had a number of reviews with my General Manager throughout the year too. 

 

Q4. What aspects of JN Bentley life and culture did you enjoy?

I found JN Bentley a friendly company to work for, and found their health and safety culture very interesting.  I have learnt how to use the systems that manage health and safety within the company and got a chance to do some health and safety training too.

 

Q5. Did you experience a good work/life balance?

I got into a routine and soon learnt how to manage my time to ensure I was getting a good balance without wearing myself down.  I enjoyed being on site so at times it didn’t even feel like I was at work!

 

Q6. Would you recommend a placement at JN Bentley?

I would definitely recommend a placement with JN Bentley.  I got a lot out of my year with the company, have learnt new skills and grown in confidence.  I got the opportunity to work on a large site with many different people and was able to develop my design and IT skills too.  Everyone I have worked with has helped me in some way and I feel a lot more positive about going into my final year at university having gained the experience during my placement.