Ella Mills - Apprentice - Sir Robert McAlpine

What sparked your interest in a career in construction?

My Dad is in the industry. Thanks to his love of his job, I was intrigued to know what construction was all about. So, when I was 15 I did a week’s work experience with McAlpine. I had previously done work experience in a couple of other industries, but my week here was by far the best. It was the only industry I could see myself going far in.

What were your first impressions of the business?

As soon as I got here, I was immediately welcomed by everyone. Even though I am a lot younger than most people here I was made to feel like I was in the team. From my first day, I knew that I was going to be very comfortable and settle in well.

What does your role on site involve?

I am currently learning about the basics of planning, and doing all the basic activities to prepare me eventually to produce programmes for the whole 33 Grosvenor Place site.

What’s been your most memorable achievements so far?

I am producing a programme for the lightwell, which will eventually go into the main programme. This is a very big achievement for me as it’s the first programme I would have ever produced, and will be used by everyone on the project.

What are your ambitions for the future?

In five years’ time, I will have a degree in Construction Management and have the skills, knowledge and work experience to work my way up through the company and eventually become a senior planner. My ultimate goal would be to become the Regional Planning Manager.

What’s your favourite Sir Robert McAlpine project?

The one I’m working on, 33 Grosvenor Place. Although it’s a hospital, it is like no hospital I have ever seen before. Every part of project is so detailed. I never get bored of exploring the model on BIM.

Which qualities do you think Apprentices need to succeed here?

Organisation, being a team player, enthusiasm and motivation.

Finally, what gets you out of bed in the morning?

Being praised for the jobs I do motivates me. I like knowing that I’m appreciated, because I give every job my all. I value the fact that at work (compared to school) every piece of work I do can be used by someone in my team to their benefit.

Meet the team

Max Hacon - Graduate Engineer

After graduating in Civil Engineering at Bristol University, Max joined us in January 2018. We caught up with him to find out more about the start of his career with us.

Read more about Max Hacon - Graduate Engineer
Ciara Shaugnessy, Trainee Quantity Surveyor

Ciara is studying an accelerated BSc in Quantity Surveying, studying one day a week, every week throughout the year as opposed to having a summer break. This enables her to complete the day-release course in a reduced timeframe. As part of the course she is working towards chartership and completing an assessment of professional competence.

Read more about Ciara Shaugnessy, Trainee Quantity Surveyor
Jack Arnold - Engineer

Jack joined the business in 2014 after two placements with us during his degree in Construction Engineering Management at Loughborough University. We caught up with him to get his take on working at Sir Robert McAlpine.

Read more about Jack Arnold - Engineer

Meet the team

Careers

Emerging Talent

Explore opportunities for school leavers, students and graduates – start on the path to achieving your career potential.

Read more about Emerging Talent
Experienced Hires

Keen to take on new challenges and greater responsibility? At Sir Robert McAlpine, you will find the opportunities you need to take your career to the next level.

Read more about Experienced Hires
Meet The Team

Meet some of the diverse and talented employees who make our business what it is. Hear their stories and see why they’re proud to be part of the team.

Read more about Meet The Team
What's On Offer?

We offer competitive packages that recognise the value we put on our people.

Read more about What's On Offer?
Why Join Us?

We’re an employer that genuinely stands apart from our peers. Here’s why there is nowhere else like Sir Robert McAlpine to do the job you love.

Read more about Why Join Us?