Work placement students says hands-on experience is ‘crucial’

A work placement student at SEH French says he “can’t stress enough” the importance of hands-on experience as he looks forward to a successful career as a quantity surveyor.

Elijah Trigg, 17, has been working at the company for the past eight months and has just completed the first year of a Design, Surveying and Planning T-Level course at Colchester Institute.

“I had started off on site to start with,” he said. “I had wanted to become a site manager.

“But then, unfortunately, I fractured a metatarsal in my left foot.

“I had to wear a ‘moon boot’ to protect it so I couldn’t wear steel toe caps, which meant I couldn’t go on site.

“However, the company managed to organise for me to come into the office instead and I’ve been there ever since doing more commercial and quantity surveying work.

“It has been great – now I want to become a QS.”

Elijah said he was really enjoying his time at SEH French, learning new skills every day.

He said he would recommend a work placement to any young person looking to enter a career in construction.

“I cannot stress enough how important work placements are,” he said. “Getting that hands-on experience.

“Work experience, not just in construction, any industry, and especially for young people, is crucial, whether that’s on site or in the office.

“If you are going for a job interview and you are able to say you have nine months of work experience, especially if you are my age, you are already ahead.

“Even with a few days a week, you learn so much with work experience.

“Learning from people who do the job every day helps you pick it up so quickly.”

Following the completion of Elijah’s 315-hour, two days a week work placement with SEH French, the company has offered to take him on for the summer full time.

Nicky Brown, Lead Stakeholder and Employer Officer (STEM) at Colchester Institute, said Elijah was an “excellent student who displays great maturity, confidence and a real determination to succeed in the construction industry”. 

“Throughout his studies, we’ve received excellent feedback from industry professionals, who have praised his initiative, professionalism, and personable approach,” she said.

“He has also demonstrated a genuine passion for construction by actively engaging with industry organisations and taking every opportunity to develop his knowledge and skills. 

“Elijah is thoroughly enjoying his placement with SEH French, where he has had the opportunity to work both on-site and in the office, giving him valuable experience across a range of teams and providing a well-rounded insight into the industry.

“Work placements are invaluable in giving students meaningful, real-world experience that allows them to put their classroom learning into practice. 

“We consistently see a significant boost in students’ confidence, maturity, and employability as they become part of a professional team and gain first-hand insight into the industry. Placements play a vital role in preparing young people for successful careers in construction.

“We are extremely grateful to SEH French for investing their time, expertise, and resources into supporting Elijah throughout his placement. 

“The commitment shown by employers like SEH French provides students with opportunities that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom. 

“Their willingness to nurture the next generation of construction professionals is invaluable, and we sincerely appreciate their continued support of our T-Level industry placements.”

Chris Fleet, Commercial Manager at SEH French, has been mentoring Elijah on his work placement.

He said: “Elijah has been brilliant on his work placement with SEH French – he has worked hard, has always shown huge enthusiasm and been a great pleasure to work with.

“He has fitted in with our team and will undoubtedly go on to have a very successful career in whatever he puts his mind to in the future.”

For more information on careers at SEH French, see here.