Not many people can claim to have worked on bids for London’s most iconic new buildings within a year of leaving college.
For Laing O’Rourke trainee estimator Jorge Lee, working on successful tenders for high-profile projects, including The Leadenhall Building, is all part of an exciting first job.
“The main interest of working in construction to me was the prospect of being part of a team that successfully delivers a building that goes on to become a landmark all members of the public recognise,” says Jorge, who joined Laing O’Rourke’s five-year Cadet programme in 2010.
“I would never have got these opportunities had I not been fortunate enough to be working with people that take an interest in my development.”
Offering an alternative
For many school leavers like Jorge, steep rises in tuition fees mean full-time further education is no longer a viable option. Through its Cadets and Apprenticeship Plus programmes, Laing O’Rourke is offering alternative, exciting career paths.
And the industry needs it. In the UK, for example, recent CITB-Construction Skills statistics reveal that the total number of 16- to 19-year-olds working in construction has halved since the recession hit in autumn 2008.
Andy Crompton, business leader for Laing O’Rourke’s Infrastructure business, says the young employees involved with these schemes are vital for the well-being of the business.
“Quality apprentices and cadets are essential to our success, and I believe they will be even more so moving forward. It’s important they grow with us and learn the Laing O’Rourke way, particularly in terms of how we deliver products and ensure our safety culture is embedded in everything we do.”
Both programmes offer candidates a unique opportunity to learn through a mix of hands-on skills training and formal academic qualifications via day release. Once they have completed the scheme, apprentices can choose to remain in a trades-based role, join the cadets – aimed at those seeking a career in engineering, construction or commercial management – or work towards a management role.
Varied opportunities
Apprentice joiner Liam Watson studied for a BTEC in sport before joining Laing O’Rourke’s four-year Apprenticeship Plus scheme in 2010, and is now working on the Oasis Academy at MediaCityUK in Salford.
“I always wanted to get into construction, but there were hardly any opportunities around, so I was delighted to get accepted at a big company like Laing O’Rourke.”
Aside from learning new joinery skills and studying for a professional qualification, Liam says it’s the added extras of the scheme that make it stand out in the industry.
“I know a couple of people doing apprenticeships at other companies, but they don’t get to do what I do, like going on camps twice a year to learn teambuilding and communication skills. It’s great to learn in a practical and fun way, and also meet the rest of the apprentices.”
Summer camp
Laing O’Rourke also runs cadet and apprenticeship programmes in Australia, and its summer camp – involving canoeing, abseiling and hiking in rural Queensland – is an annual highlight for participants.
As part of the 2011 entry level awards ceremony in the UK, six winners received a place on the camp, joining 55 of their Australian counterparts. The Sydney-based entry level programme team is leading the way in Australia.
Schools rank Laing O’Rourke as the first-choice employer for the commercial construction sector, and the team is regularly asked by industry competitors to assist in setting up their own programmes.
Sophie Schaedel, human capital manager, Australia, says the summer camp is a great learning experience for young employees. “It’s amazing to see the difference in them when they finish. It’s a terrific bonding experience and very empowering.”
And for an industry that is rapidly changing, developing staff with these skills and many more bodes well for the future of Laing O’Rourke and young construction workers alike.