This past week, our office welcomed two bright and eager work experience students. They joined us at Heeney Civils Ltd with the goal of gaining hands-on experience in various facets of our business operations. Over the course of their time here, they delved into accounting, recruitment, participated in a site weekly safety seminar, and even ventured out to a construction site for a firsthand look at the industry in action.
Day 1: Introduction and Accounting Fundamentals
On their first day, they were introduced to the team and given a tour of the office. They started their journey in the accounting department. Under the guidance of Brendan, they learned the basics of bookkeeping, invoicing, and payroll processing. They were shown how to use our accounting software and assisted in preparing financial reports. This experience provided them with a solid foundation in the financial operations that keep our company running smoothly.
Day 2-3: Diving into Recruitment
Midweek, their focus shifted to the recruitment department. Here, they learned about the end-to-end recruitment process. They sat in on interviews, helped with resume screening, and were introduced to the intricacies of matching candidates with job opportunities. They also assisted in drafting job descriptions and learned about the importance of effective communication and relationship-building in recruitment. By the end of their time in this department, they had a much clearer understanding of what it takes to find the right fit for both the candidate and the client.
Day 4: Weekly Safety Seminar
Safety is a paramount concern out on construction sites and participating in the MMA (Midland Metro Alliance) weekly safety seminar is a cornerstone of our commitment to maintaining a safe working environment. They learned about the latest safety protocols, accident prevention strategies, and the importance of workplace health and safety regulations. They participated in discussions and engaged with real-world scenarios, which highlighted the critical role that safety plays in our daily operations.
Day 5: Site Visit to a Construction Site
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the site visit to one of our construction projects, with our director’s Phil and Dawn. Donning their safety gear, they spent the day on-site, observing the various stages of construction and the different roles within a construction team. They were able to see firsthand how the recruitment and safety training they had learned about earlier in the week were applied in a real-world setting. This experience provided them with a tangible connection between the office-based aspects of the business and the on-the-ground realities of construction work.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
By the end of the week, they had gained invaluable insights into the multifaceted operations of Heeney Civils Ltd. Their time spent in accounting and recruitment, combined with their participation in the safety seminar and site visit, provided them with a well-rounded understanding of the industry. Both expressed how much they had learned and how these experiences had influenced their future career aspirations.
Their week with us not only equipped them with practical skills but also sparked a deeper interest in pursuing careers in the labour hire and construction industries and breaking barriers/stereotypes for women in construction.
We were delighted and proud to contribute to their professional development. Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn were truly commendable, and we look forward to seeing the great things they will achieve in their future careers.
