To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day we wanted to share an inspiring story of one of our colleagues Hayley Ross.

Hayley started her career with Emtec in 2017 when she joined our Building Services division as a Project Team Assistant. Having progressed in her role she became more interested in the financial aspect of construction and as such made the commitment to progress her career and is now proudly in her second year at Glasgow Caledonian University studying for her degree in Quantity Surveying.  We did a short interview with Hayley where she gave an insight into her career at Emtec so far and she shared some valuable advice for anyone thinking about a career in Engineering.  

Can you tell us about your career journey at Emtec so far?

I began working as a Project Team Assistant with Emtec Building Services in 2017 and have learned a great deal about the built environment over this time. This resulted in the aim to be more involved with the financial side of construction and I am now going into my second year of a Graduate Scheme Quantity Surveying Honours degree at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Can you tell us more about your current role as Trainee QS?

Currently, I am actively working as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor based on site where my roles and responsibilities include Sub-Contract change management, valuation / certification processes, site measurements, record keeping, assisting in progress reporting and assisting with pulling together our monthly Contract Financial Review.

What projects have you worked on and what has been your most enjoyable part so far?

I am only just finished my first year of university and have currently only been on one project. This is a £6 million Mechanical and Electrical works package for an Additional Support Needs school in Kirkintilloch. This project is under a NEC 4 contract with the client being East Dunbartonshire Council and the Main Contractor being McLaughlin and Harvey.  

The most enjoyable part for me so far has been completing my weekly site walk rounds and taking photographs of progress on site. It is rewarding to see how the job and our operatives have progressed week to week and it all ties together when we get to apply for monies based on this progress.

What are your career goals?

My aim is to get a valuable Honours degree in Quantity Surveying and endeavour to go far in Emtec Building Services with the main goal of becoming a Commercial Manager.

What have Emtec done to support your career goals?

After my transition from Project Team Assistant to Trainee QS, I was transferred into our Estimating Department who were extremely helpful in their training of Mechanical and Electrical systems. This has been highly beneficial to my understanding of drawings and changes / variations to contract works.

I have also been provided with a mentor from Emtec Building Services who checks and signs my weekly diary and logbook for university and provides training in all things Commercial related.

What advice would you give to anyone considering a similar career in engineering?

My advice to anyone considering a similar career in engineering would be to ensure they are committed to the work / university balance as it can be challenging to be learning all day at work and then having to study at night for exams and coursework. Even though it can be very demanding, it is a rewarding job, and I am thoroughly enjoying my new role.

Our thanks to Hayley for taking part and sharing her story with us.