For nearly 20 years Schick has provided opportunities for newly trained civil engineers to start their career. Over the last two years we have refined that pathway to develop a programme approach that will give new engineers a clearer pathway to develop the skills and experience required to be successful in the civil infrastructure sector.
Waikato Uni civil engineering graduate, Jarrod Richards completed his two summer placements through the Schick Internship Programme. Jarrod then chose to join Schick as a Graduate Engineer and is now fifteen months into his career.
When looking for a graduate opportunity, Jarrod wanted to join an organisation that had a strong career pathway. “Schick suited what I was looking for. It combined the ability to learn about the contractual side, as well as learning the onsite tasks and the process for delivering a civil infrastructure project.”
Jarrod’s experience in the Graduate Programme has helped his transition from the theoretical knowledge of university into applied experience on civil projects. “Schick has a big daily planning and purpose focus which while challenging at first, has made the transition easier than I had anticipated” he said. “The grad programme Schick has put us through has helped me get clear on where I need to focus my development. The mentoring from senior project managers and engineers has helped my progress as well.”
Graduate Engineer, Jarrod Richards, working on site in Ruakura, Hamilton
Having started as a graduate engineer, Jarrod has recently been promoted to Site Engineer working on the first stage development at the Ruakura Superhub. His responsibilities include managing quality assurance to the client standards, daily site management to ensure project milestones are delivered to standard and helping with the day-to-day running of the site.
As well as learning through the programme and contributing to delivering infrastructure projects, Jarrod enjoys being a part of a team with a down-to-earth culture. “There is a great team atmosphere across all levels at Schick. I enjoy being a part of a project team that helps grow young staff like myself” Jarrod said.
The key elements of Schick’s Graduate Programme include ensuring rotations through key functions including QA/Survey and quantity surveying and importantly getting on the ground exposure to different methodologies and civil disciplines from drainage and roading to civil structures and larger scale land development. The programme also includes mentoring support from experienced business leaders and a focus on professional competencies like leadership and communication skills.
If Jarrod’s story has pegged your interest, you can learn more about our Graduate Programme and apply today at our Career Pathways Page.
