Mekha Rajesh, Graduate Civil Engineering
Growing up, Mekha had a fascination with the STEM sectors, which ultimately paved her way into completing a Masters degree in engineering and then joining Sir Robert McAlpine as a Civil 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.
What discipline are you currently working in?
I am currently working in the Manchester Regional Office, helping the Commercial Manager with the preparation and distribution of contract documents, agreements and warranties.
What are you studying?
I am studying an accelerated BSc in Quantity Surveying – meaning I study one day a week, every week throughout the year as opposed to having a summer break, this allows me to complete the day-release course in a reduced timeframe. As part of my course I am working towards chartership, which requires me to complete my assessment of professional competence.
How did you hear about the opportunity at Sir Robert McAlpine?
After finishing my first degree in Forensic Anthropology, I was offered the role of receptionist at Chapel Wharf, Salford. I had no prior experience of construction and wasn’t sure the career path I wanted to take – after working on site for around 6 months I started to take an interest in the commercial aspect of construction and had a conversation regarding any opportunities.
What subjects did you take at school / A-level?
Aside from the compulsory GCSE options, I selected Art & Design, Technology and History. In terms of A-Levels, I took Biology, Politics, Environmental Studies and General Studies.
Prior to working at Sir Robert McAlpine, do you have any other work experience?
I had no prior experience in construction – however, whilst I attended sixth form I obtained work experience in a retail store as a cashier and throughout my time at University I worked through the summer breaks in various sales roles, along with some promotional work for a music brand.
Tell us about your role
My current role is slightly different to other student Quantity Surveyors as I am involved in the preparation of contract documents, I have had a great insight into the legal aspects of procurement and what is involved in securing a contract.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Each day is different – a lot of my role comes down to prioritising the most important documents to ensure they are executed correctly and on time. I expect this will change as I move away from contract documents and towards a more site-based role to expand my knowledge.
What does your future look like?
I have nearly completed my first year and I am hoping to come out with a first overall. In the near future I expect to get some more experience working on site, and also start working towards my chartership with The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Meet the team
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Read more aboutDane O'Kine, Quantity Surveyor
As a part of our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we sat down with Quantity Surveyor, Dane O’Kine, to learn more about his route to construction and what drew him to joining our business.
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Read more aboutSam Davey, Quantity Surveyor
Sam is one of the undergraduate students we are sponsoring through their studies. As he is currently on his Industrial Placement year with us, we took the opportunity to chat to him about his experiences and plans for the future.
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Read more aboutElla Mills - Planner
Ella is undertaking a Planning Apprenticeship, whilst studying Construction Management at London Southbank Uni. We caught up with Ella to learn about her experiences so far.
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Read more aboutJack 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.
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Read more aboutMax Hacon, 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.
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Read more aboutHelen Denham, Sustainability Manager
Helen started her career as a Veterinary Nurse and went on to work in Wildlife Conservation and Land Management. After achieving an Open University Human Geography Degree at 38, she joined the construction industry.
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Read more aboutMark Boyland, Design Manager
Mark studied architecture in New Zealand and worked in a small design practice in Wellington before heading to the UK. Once here he completed his professional qualifications, and worked in a number of roles, before joining us. We caught up with him to learn more about his experiences.
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Read more aboutShauna Farrell-Wessling, Construction Manager
Shauna joined us a graduate after studying Civil Engineering at the University of Nottingham, and has since worked on projects including the new American Embassy. We spoke to her about her career to date – and what it’s like to work on her current project, the Elizabeth Tower.
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Read more aboutCiara 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.
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Read more aboutJames Roy, Sustainability Manager
James Roy is finding our open and supportive learning culture invaluable as he settles into his new role as Sustainability Manager.
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Read more aboutTyler Penwill
Tyler Penwill worked with us at the new US embassy in London during his degree and he’s now part of our team at Battersea Phase 3.
Working for Sir Robert McAlpine
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Read more aboutExciting career opportunities in Bridgwater, Somerset
Join our construction team delivering a state-of-the-art battery cell manufacturing facility for Agratas.
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Read more aboutWhy 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.
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Read more aboutWhat's On Offer
We offer competitive packages that recognise the value we put on our people.
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Read more aboutExperienced 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.
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Read more aboutEmerging Talent
Explore opportunities for school leavers, students and graduates – start on the path to achieving your career potential.
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Read more aboutMeet 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.
Join the team
Find out more about Sir Robert McAlpine
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Read more aboutOur Approach
We employ exceptional people and work alongside first-rate partners to build and deliver exemplary construction projects.
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Read more aboutOur Vision
To be renowned for our work with clients and communities as we construct a better world for future generations.
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Read more aboutTechnical Excellence
Technical excellence. It’s what we are known for. And it's why we attract some of the industry’s brightest talent.
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Read more aboutPeople & Culture
In everything we do, we act with integrity, treat people fairly, and do what we say we will.
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Read more aboutInclusion
'We treat each other like family'. It's the ethos that we live by and that underpins our culture.
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Read more aboutOur partnership with Maggie's
As well as the construction of many of its architecturally significant centres, we’ve raised £1m for Maggie's in just six years.
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Read more aboutSustainability
We are committed to leaving a lasting positive legacy as a result of our actions. Considering our impact on the environment and society in all we do. Playing our role in addressing the climate emergency for a sustainable and prosperous future.
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Read more aboutHealth, Safety & Wellbeing
Health, Safety and Wellbeing is about people, and nothing is more important to us. We are committed to reducing risk and creating positive working environments.
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Read more aboutQuality
We pride ourselves on delivering a quality product to our clients on time, every time.
