Alex Rees, Trainee Project Engineer at Group SCS
IT’S National Apprenticeship Week (#NAW2020) and as part of this annual celebration of apprenticeships we thought we’d find out more about Alex Rees, a Trainee Project Engineer based at our Cardiff headquarters.
After leaving school, Alex studied business studies at college for a year, after which he moved into full-time employment. He worked at Dow Corning, in Barry, South Wales, as a Stand By Safety Operative, where he ensured that procedures involving hot works, confined space and/or using breathing apparatus were run safely.
After this he decided to make the move into construction and in 2017 started an apprenticeship here at Group SCS. Alex has completed a BTEC level 3 in Construction and the Built Environment, which he did at Bridgend College. In September 2019 he continued onto a HNC in Construction and the Built Environment, at the same college, and is hoping to have the NVQ element of the course completed by this summer.
What does Alex say about being an apprentice at Group SCS?
Alex works in Group SCS’s Estimating department and said: “My apprenticeship is going very well. I’m enjoying the overall experience and gaining work relationships along with experience in all areas.”
Alex’s apprenticeship means he continues to combine working in an office with studying in college. He said: “An apprenticeship is a great way to learn in a work-based environment, with benefits being learning from peers in college as well as colleagues in work.”
He added: “At the moment I am based in estimating pricing smoke ventilation quotations. I am also attending some site visits with Project Manager Curtis Rees, including attending meetings. This helps me to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible.
“I am learning a lot about the range of smoke ventilation systems available, also the on-site knowledge continues to grow thanks to the site visits with an experienced Project Manager. The tendering process and liaising with customers is something else that comes under the day-to-day work and learning at the Cardiff office.”
Do you think being an apprentice is for you?
Explore SCS Group’s apprenticeship opportunities
