Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Dylan, a 15-year-old student from Birmingham. Dylan joined us for a week-long work experience scheme, guided by our Site Project Manager, Peter Pedreschi. This experience aimed to expose him to the diverse career opportunities within the construction industry.

Monday: Induction and Site Tour

Dylan's journey began on Monday with an induction led by Peter Pedreschi, our site project manager. As a newcomer to the industry, it was crucial to familiarise Dylan with the fundamental site rules, personal protective equipment (PPE), and the general dos and don'ts. Peter emphasised the importance of adhering to these guidelines for safety and efficiency. Following the induction, Peter and Dylan toured the site, where Dylan met Dan, one of our supervisors. Dan explained the intricacies of labour distribution, detailing who works where and when.

Tuesday: Roofing and Scaffold Systems

Tuesday brought a day full of learning with Jim Higson. Dylan spent the day walking the roof, gaining insight into the roofing system and the sequence of works involved. Jim also introduced Dylan to the scaffold system, underscoring the significance of proper installation training and safety measures.

Wednesday: Management Insights and Problem-Solving

By Wednesday, Dylan had become more familiar with the site operations. He spent the morning with Kestas, who provided an overview of the management tasks he oversees. Dylan observed firsthand how Kestas managed labour and implemented controls, gaining valuable problem-solving experience.

Thursday: Project Management and Practical Experience

Thursday marked Dylan's final day at DRG Interior and Building Solutions. The morning was dedicated to paperwork and reports, as Peter shared the administrative side of project management. Later, Dylan shadowed Scott, the electrician, during investigation works in the occupied offices next door. This offered Dylan insight into fault diagnostics. Additionally, Peter ensured Dylan experienced a bit of manual labour by assisting a labourer in painting some steels.

After lunch, Peter and Dylan conducted a site walk on the East Block upper levels. Peter demonstrated the installation of Caberdek floor panelling and the safety measures in place for workers. He explained the plans of the steel erectors, the process of installation, and the reasons behind touching up the paint. Finally, Peter introduced Dylan to the engineer's setting out points and grid lines, explaining the use and benefits of a Total Station, a surveying instrument which provides accurate measurements of both horizontal and vertical angles as well as distances.

Throughout the week, Dylan gained a comprehensive view of the construction industry, far beyond the typical perception of a "builder" as a one-stop shop. Peter hopes that this experience has given Dylan a glimpse into the numerous aspects of construction that could potentially inspire his future career path. At DRG Interior and Building Solutions, we are proud to contribute to the development of young talent and look forward to continuing this tradition of hands-on learning experiences.

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