CAVC student Eleanor builds the foundations for a career in construction with virtual work experience at Wates

Cardiff and Vale College (@CAVC) Construction student Eleanor Mahoney spent the recent Half Term undertaking a week of virtual work experience with construction, property services and developments company Wates Group.

The 17-year-old from Cardiff spent her week taking in part in online workshops around CVs and job interviews. She also learned more about the construction industry as a whole and the different career paths available.

“We worked in small groups for a presentation in which we were given a specific topic,” Eleanor said. “After presenting they told us that they liked our presentations would like to keep in contact with us.

“The thing I enjoyed most was being able to meet other people and learn about what it’s like in the world of work once you finish in education.”

Eleanor feels that she really benefited from her week’s work experience at Wates Group.

“I feel more confident within myself and when working with groups,” she said. “It showed me what I can do to improve my people skills and my knowledge of the construction industry.

“I think the experience helped me to realise that there are so many different opportunities within the industry that you didn’t realise there were. It’s also helped me to understand more of why we learn what we do on the course.”

The work experience was arranged by Craig Wade, the Work Experience Officer of the CAVC Careers and Ideas team. Careers Coach Cristina Negoescu said: “The week’s work experience has been an excellent opportunity for Eleanor. Well done to her and thank you to Craig and the Wates Group for offering our students such amazing experiences.”