The Noobie

My first ‘official engagement’ as ICE Wales Cymru Chairman’s Apprentice took me to a lecture entitled ‘Organising Major Events’. A ‘smasual’ new evening suit (that’s smart/casual for the uninformed) was needed as this was my initial meeting with the Chair - Mr Alun Griffiths OBE - following my presentation and the challenging interview process.

A quick discussion at my Halcrow office in Cardiff determined that my year shadowing of one of Wales’ most prolific Civil Engineering Contractors was to be made up of a learning the workings of the ICE, plus the chance to gain an insight into; his company, his views on the major issues and his mindset. With my consulting background I knew the culture shock to hear opinions from the other side of the fence was going to be a stark contrast to the jointly academic roles of the outgoing Chair and Apprentice, so making the most of this would be key to as successful an Apprenticeship as the last.

Being jointly hosted by no less than 4 overseeing bodies, I was introduced to a room full of the great and the good from the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Highways and Transportation, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the Association of Project Managers. Plus the speaker for the night – Gerry Toms, and some of Mr Griffiths’ colleagues. Challenge No.1 – Remembering all the names...…