From T Level work experience to a trainee site manager - Rhianna's journey into construction
Author: Amelia Muldowney
Say hello to Rhianna Ord, trainee site manager working on our Belmont Community School project, rebuilding a primary and secondary school to provide outstanding experiences for the students that will attend.
Rhianna’s journey into Kier is probably one of my favourites, as the project she works on, is a rebuild of the secondary school she attended as a student!
Even back at school, Rhianna had clear intentions for her career, inspired by her granddad, dad, and uncle who all work within the construction industry. “I’ve been around construction my whole life and actually my uncle is a subcontractor on this project! So, I’ve always known I wanted to be in the industry which is why I chose construction as one of my GCSE subjects and from there I went on to college to complete a T Level in construction,” Rhianna explains.
What is a T Level?
A T Level is a qualification that has a technical aspect to it. It’s for students that have completed GCSEs and they combine formal learning with practical experience. As part of her qualification, Rhianna had to find a work experience placement within construction, and it was this that led her to Kier.
“I originally started my placement at another local construction company, but I didn’t feel like I was getting as much out of it as I could be,” says Rhianna. It was then that Rhianna noticed that her old secondary school was being rebuilt by Kier. So, she emailed her old headteacher asking them to send on her CV to the project manager at Kier.
“I was so excited when I heard back that they were happy to have me because Kier is such a big company, it was exactly the kind of experience I wanted!” Rhianna beams.
Why is work experience important?
From then on, Rhianna completed her remaining work experience at Kier, learning all about what happens on site and the different career options available to her.
“I loved it so much that I continued doing my work experience even after I’d completed my hours! Everyone on site was so welcoming and excited to show me what they get up to in their role I absolutely loved it,” Rhianna adds.
In 2024, Rhianna completed her T Level in construction and was eager to learn more about the career opportunities out there.
"I was really interested in a degree apprenticeship because I’d enjoyed my work experience so much, I didn’t want to have to go back into full time learning, I’d rather learn on the job,” Rhianna explains.
Finding an apprenticeship
Rhianna was struggling to find any degree apprenticeship opportunities locally, so chanced her arm and asked her current line manager at Kier if they would consider creating a position at Kier on their project. Clearly impressed by the talent Rhianna brought to the project, her line manager organised for a new apprenticeship opportunity to become available for Rhianna to apply and interview for, securing her a permanent role at Kier.
“My whole family was proud of me which was so nice, and I was really proud of myself too because it was a big compliment for them to actually create a vacancy because of my time with them on work experience,” Rhianna beams. “My dad was especially proud, although he did say he hopes he doesn’t end up on one of my sites as I’ll be the one to boss him around!” she laughs.
What is a degree apprenticeship?
As a trainee site manager, Rhianna is working towards earning herself a degree in construction management at Sheffield Hallam University through a degree apprenticeship at Kier. Day to day, Rhianna works full time as one of two trainee site managers on the project, “it’s a bit hectic at the moment as we’re preparing to hand over the finished project to the client, but generally my role is mainly about the control and quality of the work that’s being done on site and ensuring it’s up to the client’s standards,” says Rhianna.
“Because I’m a trainee I’m basically just learning all the time, constantly asking everyone ‘what are you doing’ and ‘why are you doing that’ just trying to be a sponge and take everything in!” she adds.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far and really excited to see how my career goes,” Rhianna adds.
“Talking to any other students not sure what to do next, I’d say figure out what you enjoy, plan out your options and what you need to do to get there and speak to people! Get work experience and just absorb all the information you possibly can,” she advises.
Interested in learning more about the construction industry and the opportunities available? Come along to one of our sites during Open Doors week and learn more about what a career in construction could look like for you.
