Jordan Evans has been with us over the summer as part of a work experience placement for his Architectural Engineering & Design Management course. It’s Jordan’s last day with us today and here are a few of his thoughts on his placement with us and Thomas Vale Construction:
For the last 14 months I have been increasing my understanding and awareness of different aspects of the Construction Industry via work placements with a leading Contractor & Architectural Practice. At Loughborough University I am studying Architectural Engineer & Design Management, this is a three year course which offers the opportunity of an optional placement year at the end of second year enabling students to achieve a Diploma of Industrial Studies. I decided to take this DIS year out as I felt that coming out of University with no practical experience of the Construction Industry would restrict my opportunities of finding a job. Thomas Vale Construction offered me a 45 week placement from July 2012 – May 2013 working with there experienced Design Coordinators. This was a fantastic opportunity which helped improve my knowledge of the industry from the Contractors point of view as well as showing me the tasks which are completed on a day-to-day basis. My favorite aspect of this placement was the diversity of it, as it allows you to have a normal office based job with the added advantage of site visits each week allowing interaction outside of the office. Once this placement was finished BPN Architects agreed to me having a short 9 week placement from July – August 2013 with them. While I was here I helped BPN create and setup their Quality Management System, creating documents/forms tailored to BPN’s requirements. This enables BPN Architects to apply for ISO 9001 Certification. In addition to this I updated BPN’s PQQ documents, Project Sheets & CV’s. These documents will allow current and future clients to gain a better understanding of the types of projects which has been completed by BPN. Understanding the structure and processes of an Architects practice will prove invaluable throughout the rest of my career. Both placements have allowed me to meet and work alongside so many interesting, diverse and friendly characters which has firmly confirmed that this is the Industry I want to join and excel in.
It has been great having Jordan in the office and we wish him all the best for his final year at university!