Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2023 – Meet Our Apprentice Joe O’Brien
8th February 2023
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we would like to introduce Joe O’Brien who has been studying via an apprenticeship as a Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor.
What Does Your Role Involve:
- I run the daily activity briefings with the subcontractors onsite, discussing and coordinating works for the day.
- I carry out the first review of the RAMS we receive for works onsite before Construction Manager approval.
- On Mondays I write up any permits required for the week ahead, ensuring any high-risk activities have appropriate controls in place.
- I have recently been given smaller packages to manage including scaffolding and temporary services, this involves coordinating their works with other subcontractors onsite and regular review of their progress with their Contracts Managers.
- I have taken the lead on CCS, preparing for our review in early February.
- I also publish daily ‘as builts’ and progress reports for the steel frame to our Project Manager and Commercial Team.
- I publish a daily site diary detailing all works carried out onsite each day.
- On a weekly basis, I visit neighbouring businesses so they can voice any issues or concerns created by our works onsite and take action to address as necessary.
- I have been a part of, and even taken the lead, on several Health and Safety audits from both GCL and our clients Health and Safety team.
- I also take the minutes in subcontractor weekly progress meetings.
What do I Enjoy Most About My Apprenticeship:
- I enjoy the flexibility of being able to work toward a HNC qualification while being in full time employment, learning both on and off the job.
What Are My Future Goals Upon Completion of My Apprenticeship:
- After achieving a HNC Level 4 qualification I plan to continue my studies to work toward Level 6, and further down the line hopefully become a member of the CIOB.
- In terms of my job, the ultimate aim is to become a Senior Construction Manager or move into the project management side of construction.
What Skills Do I Need to Fulfil My Role and Apprenticeship:
- The main skill required is good organisation to be able to balance work and studies.
- It is also important to have good communication skills and dedication to progress through both my studies and career.
What Made Me Want to Start an Apprenticeship:
- The idea that I can be progressing through my career at the same time as achieving academic qualifications
- The fact that I am essentially being paid to learn.
What Was My Background Before Starting My Apprenticeship:
- Before I joined the Glencar team I was studying for my A-Levels.
