A Teesside University international student is set to experience life on a major civil engineering project after joining Esh Construction on a three-month summer internship.
Seun Olowomuwagun is an aspiring Project Manager and has joined the site team at Stockton Waterfront Urban Park where he will gain a better understanding of a live construction project to help him with his master’s degree studies.
Nigerian-born Seun, aged 28, is studying an MSc in Project Management after initially starting his journey in his homeland where he completed a Bachelor of Technology in Quantity Surveying. He said: “I have an uncle who worked in construction, and he talked to me about the creative side of the industry, which sparked my interest. I have always been interested in knowing the cost of a completed building and the concept attached to actualising a project.
“From there, I qualified in Nigeria and had the foundation to progress my career in construction. I worked on construction sites and in a consultancy role, so I have experienced both sides of the job.”
Opting to study abroad, Seun enjoys his project management course and the career development opportunities it brings. He added: “For me, the UK is number one in the world for construction. I wanted to study in a more modern environment with the latest technology. I also thought that the language barrier wouldn’t be as difficult as many people in Nigeria speak English so this would help me with my studies instead of learning a different language.”
Having already completed the first year of his course at Teesside University, Seun has been able to transfer the skills he has learnt during his master’s to his time on site. He added: “I have learnt a lot about contract management on my course. In Nigeria the contract documents and management are totally different to here in England.
“Learning from tutors who have worked in construction and understand the industry has really helped my progression. Health and safety is also important, I have learnt about the importance of keeping myself and other people safe on site.”
Seun has been on site with Esh for one month now and spoke about how great the experience has been so far. He said: “I have had the opportunity to work across all aspects of the site team, learning about design, planning, site management and engineering, which has given me a great insight into construction. On placement, you get the physical experience of the site, which has helped my knowledge of construction and further enabled me to put learning into practice.
“If you have the opportunity to do an internship like this, you have got to do it. You get first-hand experience of construction while working in a close-knit environment. Everyone I have worked with has been eager to teach me and help me with any problems I have had. Esh has been really welcoming to me and has helped me progress.”
Stockton’s new urban park is tipped to be a transformational public space for residents and visitors. Delivered in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the development will include a series of impressive, unique play areas and a host of flexible spaces across the urban park, which will open up the high street and connect it to the River Tees through a land bridge structure, spanning Riverside Road, providing uninterrupted access to the riverside from the high street.
If you have the opportunity to do an internship like this, you have got to do it. You get first-hand experience of construction while working in a close-knit environment. Everyone I have worked with has been eager to teach me and help me with any problems I have had. Esh has been really welcoming to me and has helped me progress.”