United Infrastructure welcome their first T Level industry placement student

United Infrastructure is continuing to support the career aspirations of a range of young people – this time by welcoming a Construction T-Level student for an industry placement.  Oscar Loke, who is studying design, surveying and planning, is completing three two-week block placements within social infrastructure for the retrofit provider’s Willenhall team.

So far, he has been spending time with quantity surveyors, site managers and tenant liaison officers to develop a better understanding of the work involved in housing refurbishments and repairs.

Oscar, who studied Level 1 and 2 building maintenance operative diplomas at the college before his T Level, says he is enjoying absorbing knowledge about each stage of a project and getting to know his colleagues.

“We’re often told that communication and teamwork is important when you’re in work and I’ve seen lots of examples of this on my placement,” said Oscar.  “Everyone’s friendly and willing to help, not just me but each other.  My confidence in approaching people has grown because of this.”

“Working here has also changed my view of what the industry looks like.  I came into this qualification aiming to be a Quantity Surveyor.  I’m still planning to go to university and now see myself in more of a customer engagement role, like a Resident Liaison Officer.”

Earl Patrick, Social Value Manager at United Infrastructure said: “United Infrastructure has a long history of guiding young people into construction careers, whether that’s through work experience, apprenticeships, industry talks or mock interviews.”

“By adding T-Level industry placements to our portfolio of support, we are helping people on an established pathway understand more about specific roles and responsibilities in a more intensive way.  These students’ awareness and aspirations are well honed so that when they’ve completed their qualification, they’ll have better-defined next steps and goals that help secure their futures.”

“This has certainly proved to be the case with Oscar.”

Earl added: “We’re currently in the middle of a refurbishment/retrofit housing project for whg and so our legacy is about not only leaving local areas looking better and giving people pride in where they live, we’re also giving opportunities for young people and residents’ families to thrive.”

Find out more about T-Level industry placements here.