Meet Andrej - An insight on his long-standing career with us

This week we caught up with Careys Civil Engineering groundworker, Andrej, who shared his first-hand site experience with us. He spoke with us about the development of his long-standing career, his role and responsibilities on site and why being a part of the Careys team means so much to him.

My role and responsibilities

I started working for Careys 12 years ago, in 2007. I’m a groundworker and pipelayer, with the skills to drive our dumper and roller trucks.

My favourite project to date

The most amazing project I’ve worked on with Careys was the Stratford Olympic Village. I really enjoyed working there, and I met a lot of great people throughout my six years on the project. This project taught me a lot, especially about deep drainage, which was part of our groundworks scope of works.

This project also provided me with an opportunity to see first-hand the dramatic transformation of the Olympic Village. I also gained valuable work experience and skills. For instance, I was able to complete my national vocational qualification (NVQ qualification) for groundworks and plant operation, while working on the Stratford Olympic Village project. This continues to help me excel at my job to this day.

Overcoming challenges

At Careys, we have a wide range of different types of jobs. Yet, whatever task or set of tasks that an individual job might require us to do, on any given day, we always put a strong focus on working safely. In order to do that, we assess the risks involved with each job, prior to getting started. We then map out the safest course of action and follow this plan carefully and with awareness – looking out for each other as we carry out our work throughout our shifts.

My advice to anyone looking to pursue a similar career

Always try to be friendly and polite with your colleagues. It’s important to help new employees along the way – showing them how to integrate into work systems and giving them support.

Summarising the culture at Careys in three words

Safe - opportunities - family

I appreciate Careys. We’re a strong company that I’m sure a lot of people would love to work for.

No matter what your specific role is, you are important and feel valued by the company. At Careys, hard work and determination doesn’t go unnoticed. I feel safe working for Careys, as there is a very strong priority placed on safety, in the form of our safe home every day (SHED) approach, which is thoroughly implemented and followed on site.

Careys is a place where you can develop a great career, if you try your best. You can start as a groundworker and develop on to become a manager in the future. Everything is possible, if you are reliable and hardworking.