This week (10-16 February) is National Apprenticeship Week, a week that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
To mark the occasion, Radii Planet Group has caught up with Tom Peake, 23, who has been working with our southern contracting team since late 2021 as an Apprentice Assistant Contracts Manager while also studying for a Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship at Croydon College.
What were you doing before working at Radii Planet Group?
Before Planet I was in college education for Game Development and working part time at Curry’s PC World.
What attracted you to do an apprenticeship - and why with Radii Planet Group?
The attractive points for me that led me to start an apprenticeship are the opportunities for on the job learning, as I learn quicker with practical application, and the chance to do a lot of networking within the industry.
I chose to do it at RPG because while I was looking for opportunities my Dad who worked at RPG at the time said there was an apprenticeship position opening here.
What are your main responsibilities as an apprentice?
My primary responsibility is to run projects safely & cost effectively to ensure both margin stays at an acceptable level and that everyone on my sites goes home the same way they turned up to work, other responsibilities include document control, site surveying and assisting the other project managers should they require an assist on a project.
What does a typical day in the office look like for you?
A typical office day starts by arriving for 9:00am start, check and answer my emails, order materials for my projects, fill out some O&Ms, organise any site visits that are required/requested, and again assist my colleagues however they need me to.
How are you finding the balance between working and studying?
As I have finished my studies now and am entering the final portion of my apprenticeship I don’t have to worry about balancing them anymore, but when I was doing coursework still I did sometimes struggle to prioritise the correct one. But it must be said the company and Croydon College are both very supportive and flexible to help me deal with any issues or obstacles I have with studying and work.
How has the apprenticeship helped you develop and grow as an individual?
The apprenticeship has helped me get proper hands on experience and gain contacts within the industry for future development, as well as learning the different language used for discussing areas of construction that I was previously unaware of. Overall my communication has improved as I’ve gotten further in my apprenticeship.
What advice would you give to future apprentices joining Planet/RPG?
Communication and teamwork really drive your ability to learn and work cohesively within the team, communicating not only about work things but really integrate yourself into the team and be able to have a laugh and make friends and you will go far. Teamwork is a key point of being part of the team as simple as that sounds, I mean help someone else with their stuff so they in-turn will help with yours and you’ll be able to assist them in the future if they are off ill you can cover parts of the things they do.
