Meet Ben, a project manager in our defence and nuclear energy sector.
Ben joined the construction industry after serving in the military and has worked across power, oil and gas, water and is now supporting clients in the nuclear energy sector.
What led you to your career at Costain?
"After serving as a military engineer, where my last role was as a construction clerk of works, I joined a company called Promanex, which worked in the power sector. Costain acquired Promanex in 2011 and secured a contract with the Government’s Oil & Pipeline Agency to operate and maintain their UK-wide pipeline and storage system. I was a project manager and temporary works coordinator on that contract."
How does your role contribute to improving people’s lives? Please include an example of a specific project or initiative that you’ve been involved in and the difference it has made.
"During my time at Costain I have also worked in the water sector on several concurrent water treatment EPC capital works projects from feasibility to handover and completion. Through this time, I had responsibility to ensure the highest standards of safety and environmental protection were consistently maintained.
I’m currently working in the nuclear energy sector where I’m responsible for the overall programme and costs for the delivery of enabling works for a new nuclear energy facility, helping to build resilience into the UK’s energy mix."
What’s your biggest professional achievement and why? Examples include a person/team you have helped develop, an environmental or social impact achievement or a delivery performance target that was achieved above and beyond expectations.
"Having completed post-graduate studies in water and environmental management, it was rewarding to join the Severn Trent Water and United Utilities frameworks with Costain. During this period, I have been able to deliver schemes that have greatly improved drinking water, river water courses and the natural environment."
What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?
"I have always enjoyed team spirit and ethos on Costain projects. Whatever project I have worked on, I have met and worked with a wide range of people both internally, and externally from our clients and supply chain partners. This variety adds to the learning experiences within the day to day role."
What have you learned / what has inspired you during your time at Costain?
"Having undertaken the additional role of temporary works coordinator for a number of years, I have enjoyed the constant source of learning, through formal training to site delivery experience."
What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?
"I would recommend taking opportunities to widen your skills, knowledge and experience by spending time in different sectors during your career. I have been fortunate to move sectors during my time with Costain and have certainly valued my time in energy, oil and gas, water and now nuclear energy."