Jack Arnold - Engineer

You’ve been with us four years. What’s been the most memorable moment so far?

Honestly, it was when I was on my first ever placement. I was managing a metalwork package, and one of the first items installed was a set of steelwork supports for a trapeze in the gym. This was the first thing I had ever managed on site. At the time watching the guys do a pull-out test on the support, I was thinking, “I can do this, I can get something built!”.

What has stood out for you about working here?

All the projects I’ve been on have had great teams. On my progression from graduate to where I am now, I’ve had a number of mentors and senior engineers to support me. I’ve been impressed by the ease of colleagues adapting to different means of communicating with me due to my deafness, particularly as I can’t answer the phone!

What are the most important things you’ve learned?

Be honest with yourself and others, if you do not have the experience or knowledge regarding a particular item, someone else will. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Which qualities do you think it takes to succeed?

I think a sense of humour and an ability to pick the right battle. A key factor in the success of a project is the relationships built between all members of the project team - client, consultants and sub-contractors.

What are your future career ambitions?

I like to see what each day brings and any new opportunities that arise. Currently, I am looking to achieve chartership with the CIOB which I’m working on through the company PDP scheme.

What’s your favourite Sir Robert McAlpine project?

The Millennium Dome. Although it was built nearly 20 years ago, I was actually involved in its opening. I got to try out all the children play areas inside whilst construction was going on. You can imagine how exciting that was to a 7 year old!

How would you sum up Sir Robert McAlpine in three words?

A second family.