Work Placements at Seddon
We know how important it is for students to get hands on, real life experience for their chosen course. This experience can help direct future studies, help them deicide if the career is for them and give them expeiences they wouldn't otherise have had. As a business we take work placements across all our regions and departments whether that be 6 weeks as a labourer or 12 weeks shadowing a QS. The placements also give students experience to put on their CV and if they parotuclarly impress their team they often go on to secure work with us.
We sat down with Aaron Mollart our Stoke based work placement to dissucss his experience below.
Aaron's thoughts
I started with Seddon back in October 2024, shortly after beginning my Design, Surveying, and Planning for Construction course at Stoke-on-Trent College. I already knew of Seddon’s strong reputation within the industry, so I decided to get in touch to see if there were any opportunities available. The team at Seddon were incredibly accommodating and they were able to facilitate a placement for me, which has turned into a great learning experience.
My favourite project so far has definitely been Watermill School. I’ve had the chance to follow it from the technical design phase through to starting on site, and then into the construction of the steel frame and precast concrete floors. Being able to see the process step-by-step has given me a much deeper knowledge of the entire construction process. As well as the fact that we have been able to do some brilliant community work with the school such as, when we collaborated with subcontractors to gift 230 easter eggs to the students a few months ago.
Compared to college, working in the industry is a lot more hands-on, which suits my learning style. I’ve found I retain information much better when I’m actively involved, rather than reading from a textbook. Being on site or in the office, and engaging directly with professionals, has really strengthened my understanding and performance in college.
After experiencing different aspects of the industry, I believe I am most suited to quantity surveying. I enjoy the commercial side of construction and the problem-solving that comes with it. I like the dynamic environment and challenges that come with the field, and I’ve found that’s where I feel I can bring the most value.
I’ve developed a real interest in the highly technical areas of construction, like groundworks and civil engineering, and mechanical and electrical works, just to name a few. It’s clear how crucial these areas are to the success of a project, as they are often the most complex part of any construction work. As I progress in my career, I’d love to get more involved in these areas and possibly take on additional training or qualifications to support that interest.
My advice would be to always ask questions and take every opportunity to learn from those around you, gaining knowledge from people who have been in the same position as you in the past is the best way to improve your own skills, and people are generally more than happy to share it if you show interest and initiative. Getting some real-world experience early on, like a placement, can make a massive difference.
"I’ve learnt a huge amount during my time with Seddon. I’ve worked closely with several departments, all of whom have been really open and helpful when I’ve had questions. Most of my time has been spent with the surveying team, where I’ve developed both practical skills like measurement and technical tasks like preparing CSAs, BOQs, and cost reports. I’ve also spent time with the estimating team on preparing tender information, which gave me a better understanding of pre-construction. On top of that, working alongside the site management team gave me valuable on-site experience and a better understanding of how planning translates to real world construction."
Aaron Mollart
Work Placement
Seddon
Learning on the job
Compared to college, working in the industry is a lot more hands-on, which suits my learning style. I’ve found I retain information much better when I’m actively involved, rather than reading from a textbook. Being on site or in the office, and engaging directly with professionals, has really strengthened my understanding and performance in college.
After experiencing different aspects of the industry, I believe I am most suited to quantity surveying. I enjoy the commercial side of construction and the problem-solving that comes with it. I like the dynamic environment and challenges that come with the field, and I’ve found that’s where I feel I can bring the most value.
I’ve developed a real interest in the highly technical areas of construction, like groundworks and civil engineering, and mechanical and electrical works, just to name a few. It’s clear how crucial these areas are to the success of a project, as they are often the most complex part of any construction work. As I progress in my career, I’d love to get more involved in these areas and possibly take on additional training or qualifications to support that interest.
My advice would be to always ask questions and take every opportunity to learn from those around you, gaining knowledge from people who have been in the same position as you in the past is the best way to improve your own skills, and people are generally more than happy to share it if you show interest and initiative. Getting some real-world experience early on, like a placement, can make a massive difference.
"Having started in the business as a Trainee myself, it’s great to see Seddon’s continued drive for learning and development of young people. Aaron joined Seddon in October last year on his work placement from college. Over the course of his time with the business, Aaron has worked alongside both myself and my colleagues of who have shared valuable experience which we hope will be invaluable to his continued studies. As Aaron has been given the exposure to an array of construction activities, we have more recently been able to offer him the opportunity of a full-time work placement during the summer period. It has been great to see his knowledge and understanding to continuing to evolve whilst assisting us in the commercial department with key tasks during such a busy work period for us here at Seddon."
Corey Holden
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Seddon
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
