A Leeds Beckett University student has grabbed a work experience placement with Esh Construction after spying the opportunity from his front doorstep.
20-year-old Muhammad Sudais is studying Construction Management and snapped up a placement with Esh’s affordable housing division after seeing branding on the gates of its Ripleyville project, where Esh is on site delivering 73 new affordable homes.
The £18 million regeneration scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with Accent Group Ltd, involves the redevelopment of the former 1970s Ripleyville Estate following the demolition of more than 160 flats and bungalows.
It places an emphasis on multi-generational living with a variety of properties being constructed for affordable rent. All homes have been designed to be highly energy-efficient with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘A’. There will be no gas supply to the scheme, instead air source heat pumps and photovoltaic (PV) panels will be installed.
Muhammad said: “I saw the Esh boards on the gates to the Ripleyville site as I live opposite the scheme. I had a look online to find a contact and sent an enquiry email requesting some work experience. Luckily, I was given five days on site to gain an insight into a live construction site.”
Muhammad studied Maths, Business and Applied Science for his A-levels and is now keen to find out more about architecture and the construction environment. He added: “The architecture around the world has always fascinated me and I wanted to know more. I wanted to get involved – especially when it was happening on my doorstep – so I thought I’d take the initiative and ask if I could get some work experience.
“I’ve enjoyed all aspects of what I have done so far this week. I was given the opportunity to learn new technologies with subcontractors. I’ve really enjoyed the insights into being a quantity surveyor and would like to look more into these opportunities in the future.”
During his five days with Esh, Muhammad shadowed the team to pick up key skills around time management, ordering and scheduling, and he’d advise others to seek out construction roles.
“I will be able to apply the skills and knowledge to different scenarios and situations,” said Muhammad. “For example, if I have an issue with aspects of the job, for instance, materials then I would know how to calculate and plan ahead of schedule, so that any problems can be fixed within this time.
“Construction is an exceptionally vast industry with many options to choose from and if you don’t enjoy one thing, there is always something to move to, I believe something can be found for everyone. You can really progress in your career as there are always opportunities available. It can also help improve skills and working with Esh has helped me develop my skills further.”
Construction is an exceptionally vast industry with many options to choose from and if you don’t enjoy one thing, there is always something to move to, I believe something can be found for everyone. You can really progress in your career as there are always opportunities available. It can also help improve skills and working with Esh has helped me develop my skills further.”