September 2021 saw a keen student; Zhao Zang start work experience with us. Zhao contacted the Ashcourt Group in the summer last year keen to gain a further insight into the Ashcourt Group and in particular our Civil Engineering division. Already holding an unconditional offer to study engineering at degree level from university he was ambitious to bolster his knowledge in order to thrive in the construction industry by taking a placement year. Zhao joined our Stoneferry corridor team in the Dalton Street offices who are working on major improvements to the Highways around the East Hull area.
Fast forward to January 2022 and Zhao is now employed at Ashcourt as an official 'Trainee Engineer' and has successfully gained his CSCS card. So far, Zhao has moved between various live projects in and around Hull and the East Riding area including our BMW Garage project where he has assisted engineers in setting out foundations, bolt boxes, drainage and concrete slabs ready for the new dealership to be ready for opening in May 2022. Zhao has also been working on our NHS projects at both Hull Royal Infirmary ICU and Castle Hill Hospital where he has gained a lot of knowledge surrounding steel infrastructure, as well as being able to work on a number of personal skills including working closely with clients, the public and his fellow colleagues in a number of job roles.
Recently, Zhao has been partaking in some of our tender meetings where he can gain knowledge on how the construction industry works from tender/ pre start meetings to breaking ground on the first day.
Zhao said "I first noticed Ashcourt when I was working for BAM Construction where they would deliver a range of products to site. The staff were always extremely friendly and that drew me to look into Ashcourt more and encourage me to approach them for work experience. I'm so pleased I made the decision to do work experience here as everyone has been so welcoming. I also enjoy seeing how everyone supports each other and works together as a team to get projects completed as efficient as possible."
Zhao has an amazing offer from Loughborough University to study Construction Engineering Management in September 2022. He said he has had the opportunity to enhance his people and technical abilities by learning several different skills such as setting up a tool station, understanding drawings and talking to project managers on site. This has boosted his confidence as he has already put into practice some skills needed in his first-year modules.
This experience has also helped steer Zhao towards his future career path as he now knows he would like to start as an engineer and progress to project manager level. One of his first goals after university is to become a Chartered Engineer or complete a master's degree.
Dan Wallis, Contracts Manager said "Zhao has been a pleasure to work with, he has a good attitude, is very enthusiastic and loves being part of a team. He is a good asset to the company and we would love to keep in touch with him during his journey through university."
Over the next few months, Zhao will continue to work on different projects to expand his knowledge and experience ready for university.