Ella 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.

What sparked your interest in a career in construction?

My Dad is in the industry. Thanks to his love of his job, I was intrigued to know what construction was all about. So, when I was 15 I did a week’s work experience with McAlpine. I had previously done work experience in a couple of other industries, but my week here was by far the best. It was the only industry I could see myself going far in.

What were your first impressions of the business?

As soon as I got here, I was immediately welcomed by everyone. Even though I am a lot younger than most people here I was made to feel like I was in the team. From my first day, I knew that I was going to be very comfortable and settle in well.

What does your role on site involve?

I am currently learning about the basics of planning, and doing all the basic activities to prepare me eventually to produce programmes for the whole 33 Grosvenor Place site.

What’s been your most memorable achievements so far?

I am producing a programme for the lightwell, which will eventually go into the main programme. This is a very big achievement for me as it’s the first programme I would have ever produced, and will be used by everyone on the project.

What are your ambitions for the future?

In five years’ time, I will have a degree in Construction Management and have the skills, knowledge and work experience to work my way up through the company and eventually become a senior planner. My ultimate goal would be to become the Regional Planning Manager.

What’s your favourite Sir Robert McAlpine project?

The one I’m working on, 33 Grosvenor Place. Although it’s a hospital, it is like no hospital I have ever seen before. Every part of project is so detailed. I never get bored of exploring the model on BIM.

Which qualities do you think Apprentices need to succeed here?

Organisation, being a team player, enthusiasm and motivation.

Finally, what gets you out of bed in the morning?

Being praised for the jobs I do motivates me. I like knowing that I’m appreciated, because I give every job my all. I value the fact that at work (compared to school) every piece of work I do can be used by someone in my team to their benefit.

Meet the team

  1. 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.

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  2. Dane 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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  3. Sam 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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  4. Ella 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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  5. Jack 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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  6. Max 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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  7. Helen 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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  8. Mark 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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  9. Shauna 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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  10. 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.

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  11. James 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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  12. Tyler 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.

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Working for Sir Robert McAlpine

  1. Exciting 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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  2. Why 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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  3. What's On Offer

    We offer competitive packages that recognise the value we put on our people.

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  4. Experienced 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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  5. Emerging Talent

    Explore opportunities for school leavers, students and graduates – start on the path to achieving your career potential.

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  6. Meet 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.

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Join the team

Find out more about Sir Robert McAlpine

  1. Our Approach

    We employ exceptional people and work alongside first-rate partners to build and deliver exemplary construction projects.

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  2. Our Vision

    To be renowned for our work with clients and communities as we construct a better world for future generations.

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  3. Technical 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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  4. People & Culture

    In everything we do, we act with integrity, treat people fairly, and do what we say we will.

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  5. Inclusion

    'We treat each other like family'. It's the ethos that we live by and that underpins our culture.

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  6. Our 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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  7. Sustainability

    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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  8. Health, 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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  9. Quality

    We pride ourselves on delivering a quality product to our clients on time, every time.

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