Apprenticeship Spotlight with Kieran

At Cairn Cross, the people make us who we are. As part of National Apprenticeship Week and our employee spotlight series, we’ve caught up with Kieran, who is currently part of our apprenticeship programme and is one of many apprentices who make up our commitment to the 5% club.

Who are you and what do you do?

Hello, my name’s Kieran. I’m 23 years old and a design technician for Epsilon Design, a design consultancy under the Cairn Cross Group based in the head office. I am currently about to start at Leeds Beckett University, studying civil engineering on a part-time, day-release basis.

What does your job entail?

As a design technician, my role varies quite a bit. I’m primarily responsible for producing the design suite for varying projects, but I also act as document control and occasionally as a coordinator between suppliers, partnering contractors, and clients.

How long have you been at Cairn Cross?

I’ve been in the business since September 2018, so I’m beginning my sixth year at Cairn Cross.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

As a design technician, I get to see a project go from a concept and a few lines on a drawing to a fully constructed building. It’s very rewarding to see what you work on for several weeks or months – on paper or computer only – turn into something physical in front of you.

How have you found the training/graduate/apprenticeship programme?

The training programme has been amazing for me. Since starting in 2018, I’ve studied Level 3, Level 4 & Level 5 – Construction in the Built Environment course. Doing this allowed me to go to university to do Level 6 – Civils. All for the betterment of both myself and the business.

This isn’t even considering all the other day/multi-day courses I get to attend.

What do you think makes Cairn Cross unique?

The core values; People, planet, and performance, are our fundamental principles that everyone abides by to ensure the company culture is great!

But also, no two days are ever the same. There are always new challenges to tackle and new opportunities to pursue. The sky is also the limit in terms of career progression, which is a bonus.

What are your goals within the company? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I see myself working as a design manager, responsible for a team working under me, and hopefully managing multiple projects at once.

What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work?

Never shy away from learning new things. I knew next to nothing when I started working here, and I have picked things up over time, learning from my mistakes and from the input and support of those around me.

Favourite project to work on?

For me, Peterborough Maintenance Hub has been my favourite project to work on. I’ve seen the job at the feasibility stage, took it through the outline and detailed design, was responsible for the approval of construction drawings, and now I get to see the finished product. I even saw the near-completed building on the train to and from London, which was very rewarding.

Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?

I sort of just fell into it and have loved it ever since. I came in for a week of work experience in my first year of sixth form, kept in touch with Lisa, the Design Director, and was offered an apprenticeship. And the rest is history!

Lisa has been the most important person in helping me in my career to this date. She is always on hand to offer assistance whenever I need it.

What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?

My advice would be to knuckle down and take in everything you can. Sit in on as many meetings as you can. Don’t say no to any training, whether big or small.

 In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?

Handing over projects to the client when they are complete is always a proud moment after you’ve spent so long crafting them. My biggest accomplishment, however, is completing my Level 5 qualification over the last 3 years.

What’s your secret talent no one knows about?

I’m actually Wakefield Football Centre’s Tuesday night 5-a-side Division 1’s best goalkeeper.

Describe your ideal tea or coffee mix?

Call me boring but I’ll stick to water thank you!

If you’re looking to build your career in civil engineering with Cairn Cross, get in touch with careers@cairncross.uk.com to find out more information or visit our careers page. Cairn Cross is part of the 5% an industry-led initiative focussed on driving momentum into the recruitment of apprentices, graduates and sponsored students. You can learn more about the initiative by visiting https://www.5percentclub.org.uk/