We are highlighting another of our fantastic young people! Sam has been working at KR since last summer as part of our KRedit program to gain some experience and has found an interest in all things mechanics!
Tell me a bit about yourself and what you’ve been doing at KR Group
My name is Sam and I am an S4 pupil at Ellon Academy. I plan on staying on for 5th year to gain some more qualifications whilst I decide what I want to do. At school, I enjoy English, Engineering Science, and Maths.
I have been helping mainly the mechanical team at KR Group at the weekends and during school holidays. Some of the jobs I do is help wash the fleet of vehicles, paint any parts for the vehicles/machines, tidy out the sheds/workshops, help keep everything organized and be an extra pair of hands where needed.
I have also had some experience in the office sorting out fabrication drawings and filing paperwork. This has been good as I have got to see that side of the business.
What is something that surprised you about the construction industry?
I was surprised by how busy it all is! I didn’t realize how much work goes on behind the scenes! There is a lot that goes into a project in the workshops and what it takes to complete project it. There is a lot more to it than I expected!
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day is different, so it’s hard to describe a typical one. I usually start at 8am by emptying the bins in the sheds and making sure everything is tidy. I also check the yard and clean up anything that needs doing. After that, I often have a few vans to wash. The rest of the day depends on what needs to be done, so I just help out where I’m needed. I normally finish between 12 and 1pm.
What is a task you have particularly enjoyed whilst you’ve been working?
I like to wash the vans and maintain a tidy work environment. It’s important to ensure a tidy work environment as it is much easier and safer to work when everything is organized and in its place.
Where do you see yourself in a few years – what kind of job would you like to have?
I would like to go down the apprenticeship route as I have seen the benefits of it, and I like that I could be part of the earn and learn scheme. I would like to do something similar to what I do part-time with KR – working with my hands outside. The mechanical side is something I have enjoyed so I think I would like to do this in the future.
What have you learned from this experience?
I have gained an understanding of how the company operates, and it’s been interesting to see the different stages from the initial enquiry through to the final product. I have also learned how the company is organised in terms of people and how everyone is tied into projects etc.
What advice would you give someone looking to do some work experience?
I would say don’t be afraid to get your name out there and reach out to companies if you’d like to get an opportunity with them. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know. It is really worthwhile getting some part time work to help you to gain experience and have something to add to your CV.