Five years’ hard work has paid off for Russell WBHO trainees Stephen Smyth and Harry Warburton who have graduated from the University of Salford with degrees in Construction Project Management, whilst also completing the five-year in-house Building Student training programme.
Both have chosen the site engineering route and, following graduation, have been promoted from assistant site engineer to site engineer. Stephen is currently based on a scheme in Manchester city centre while also working on pre-construction plans, investigation work and setting out for some exciting upcoming schemes due to commence on-site in the Autumn. Harry is focusing on the civils and infrastructure elements of residential housebuilding with sister company Russell Homes, working on the new Stubley Meadows development in Littleborough.
Stephen, 23 from Salford, joined the programme at 18. He has found the combination of university studies and on-the-job experience an excellent introduction to the industry and believes the Russell WBHO scheme is the best in the business.
He said: “I think you learn the most by doing the job and being on site on live projects, but it’s also really important to get a good academic grounding and learn the theory as well. I think that combination and the variety of experience we’ve had makes this the best programme out there. And earning a salary while on a fully-funded degree course has been amazing, I can’t tell you how good it is not to have that debt.”
Stephen has worked on major schemes for Russell WBHO including the £40m Clayton Hotel in Manchester’s Portland Street. “That was a great project for a trainee engineer, with three major engineering elements coming together early on. I was lucky enough to be involved from start to finish, right from the demolition of the original building to practical completion.
“As engineers we’re the first people on site, I like that role. At Portland Street we had to survey the old foundations and plot locations for the new piles, then install the in-situ concrete frame from basement to level two, and then the pre-cast concrete structure from two to 17. It’s not often you’ll get to be involved with all of that as a trainee on your first high rise build project, it was an amazing experience.
“I think those of us who have had the practical experience have more confidence on site and are definitely ahead of the curve when it comes to working as part of the team. The rotation system – where we spend time in all of the operational departments – is also really good because but gives you an idea of all the jobs open to you and helps you understand the project from all different perspectives. I think that will be really useful as I work towards a role in project management.”
Harry, 24 from Salford, joined the Building Student training scheme at 19 after a recommendation from his quantity surveyor dad Stuart who was previously a quantity surveyor at Russell Homes. Having worked on major city projects like the hugely complex Axis Tower in Manchester and a large-scale industrial development for Lineage Logistics in Heywood, Harry is now overseeing the groundworks package for a new residential homes development.
He said: “I started a traditional degree after school but quickly realised it wasn’t for me, I wanted a more practical course so the Building Student programme was ideal as you get the best of both worlds.
“Over the last five years I’ve worked on a wide range of projects, from city centre high rise to major logistics sites and now residential homebuilding, and I know that experience will be so valuable to my future career.
“The Russells programme allows us to see the different sides of the business and appreciate the separate elements which have to be considered to deliver a successful project. Understanding both the operational and the commercial sides of contracting is crucial and this programme has been fantastic for providing that insight.
“I’m pleased to have graduated and already be in a job that I love. I always wanted a site-based role and the programme proved that engineering was the right choice for me. I enjoyed the major projects and commercial work and I’m really enjoying the housebuilding side. I think we all appreciate the foundation the Building Student scheme provides us with, it’s been great.”
John Millward, Russell WBHO Construction Director, said: “Huge congratulations to Stephen and Harry on their graduation. They’ve worked extremely hard both at university and within the business on live projects, and they’re both great guys to work with, we’re delighted to have them as part of the team.”
For more information on the Building Student programme visit the Russell WBHO website.
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