Adam

Student Quantity Surveyor

“It’s inspiring to be involved in something so huge.”

Adam joined us in June 2019 for the industrial placement year of his degree. We asked him to share his experiences of working on the project as a student.

What’s involved in your role?

I’m currently supporting my team’s work through responsibilities like paying subcontractors, issuing contractual documents and applying for payment from HS2.

How much are you learning from the placement?

Massive amounts. This is a great place to start my career, as I will experience things on this unique venture that I would not be exposed to on other projects. It is also good to see how other companies within the Joint Venture operate – it is a great mix of the best aspects of each company’s assets.

Which aspect of the project inspires you most?

Being involved in something so huge.

What are your colleagues they like to work with?

Very friendly, helpful and easy going. I receive support daily from a range of different people on the project – from foremen to commercial directors, from designers to project managers.

What makes you proud about being part of the project?

I feel my biggest sense of pride working for Align when I kind of remove myself from the work in hand - and just think of the sheer scale of the project and what I am so lucky to be involved in. That’s hugely motivating.

What will it feel like to travel on a train through our section for the first time? 

A great sense of pride to have been involved in such a significant project that is shaping British infrastructure.

Finally, what would you say to someone thinking of coming to work on this project?

I would highly recommend taking the opportunity to work on such a large-scale project. The chance may never arise again.

sunna

Site Engineer

“There’s a proper air of teamwork.”

Sunna joined us in January 2018 as a rotation on her Bouygues UK graduate scheme. We asked her to share her thoughts and feelings about her experience with Align.

Why did you decide to join Align?

It was an opportunity to try a new type of project – infrastructure rather than residential – and a new type of role – Methods Engineer rather that Site Manager; both of which really appealed to me.

What’s involved in your role?

Monitoring Health and Safety, Environment, Quality, Progress and Commercial, and reacting to site level issues that arise. In addition, ensuring coordination between different site users and, in some instances, members of the public.

Which aspect of the project most inspires you?

The amount of collaboration across multiple departments and teams that takes place to make activity on the project possible – it gives a proper air of teamwork.

What has been a proud moment for you?

During our Pump Test works at the Chalfont St Giles vent shaft site, landowners had raised issues they were having with flooding on the road. Crucially, they knew it was not due to our works or vehicle movements, but they asked me if there was anything we could do to help. After some investigating and planning, our Works Manager along with a couple of our Labourers were able to identify and clear out the gully systems that had been blocked up. There has not been sign of flooding since – doing our bit for the community!

What are your colleagues like to work with?

They have a positive vibe. It’s always a plus coming in and seeing everyone, and they definitely help take the pressure off when things get stressful. There’s always a buzz – no computer zombies!

How do you expect your skills and knowledge to grow during the project?

I’ll be learning new ways to manage people from different backgrounds in different settings – and growing experience in other departments with a greater understanding of what goes into their work.

What does Align do to encourage a diverse workforce?

Personally, I’ve been involved in Community Outreach events, involving giving talks and presentations to school and university students from different backgrounds, especially young women.

What would you say to someone thinking of joining us?

If you’re looking for the opportunity to work on a fantastic major project, Align would be a great choice. There is a lot of room for growth and learning in different disciplines.

lucas

Earthworks Package Lead

“The complexity is challenging
and stimulating.”

Lucas joined Align in September 2018. Having been here since the early stages, he’s ideally placed to talk about working with us on this HS2 project.

Why did you decide to join Align?

Several reasons. It was a great opportunity on a big project, with lots of interfaces and major assets in the form of the tunnels and viaduct. It’s also a multi-cultural project. I wanted to improve my language skills and discover different ways to work.

What does your role involve?

I’m in charge of the earthworks on the C1 section. So, I lead on estimating and planning the works, and optimising the programme. I also prepare tender invitations, manage subcontractors and measure progress.

Which aspect of the project most inspires you?

The complexity: lot of constraints, lot of interfaces, lot of consultants. Trying to order the priorities and take the right decisions is very challenging and stimulating.

What excites you about the project in the coming year to 18 months?

The start of the main works, then the delivery of the main platforms for the tunnel and viaduct precast factories and segment storage yards. After that, the launch of the Tunnel Boring Machines will be something very special indeed.

What your colleagues like to work with?

It is enriching to work with people from different cultures, both countries and partner companies. Even if we have different ways of working, we are committed to move forward together.

How do you expect your skills and knowledge to grow during the project?

I think I will improve my flexibility by working with my multi-cultural colleagues. I’m sure to develop and extend my relational intelligence by managing my colleagues, the subcontractors and interface with the client, as well as my project management expertise.

What has been a proud moment for you so far?

When I was told that Align had provided the best submission for a key gateway in the bidding process: a competitive price with a challenging programme meeting the client’s expectations.

What would you say to someone thinking of joining us?

I’d tell them not to hesitate a second! This project is full of opportunities and you will also have the chance of being known by our three parent companies, to move onto future projects.

Adrien

Package lead, Chilterns Tunnel

“There’s room to achieve, grow
and learn”

Adrien joined the Align team in August 2019, having spent four years overseas with another Joint Venture. We caught up with him to learn about his time here so far.

Why did you decide to join Align?

The project had been ramping up for months and was finally near starting. I had a chance to join just before the long-awaited kick-off. I believed it would a great opportunity to be able to prepare and launch a piece of work; starting it from scratch and building it.

What does your role involve?

My mission is to ensure that the packages of sub-contracted works I am supervising are running as expected, or ideally better – in terms of Health, Safety and environmental impact as well as quality and adherence to design requirements. My role is to constantly challenge all parties to try and improve the execution and quality of delivered works, planning and cost implications.

Have your experiences lived up to expectations since you joined?

Joining Align means I really appreciate the size of such a project. I have been welcomed by enthusiastic colleagues who are devoted to overcoming the construction challenges laying ahead of us. Many people are coming on-board as the works are ramping up and adding their experience to continue improving the works’ delivery. 

Which aspect of the project most inspires you?

I’d say that the underground works inspire me most. Tunnelling in a carefully looked-after underground environment will be an interesting challenge, as well as the construction of the 38 cross passages involved.

What’s exciting you about the coming year to 18 months?

The Tunnel Boring Machine launch which will be the high point of the preparation period and will kick-off a new phase of the project with the beginning of tunnelling activities.

How do you expect your career to grow during the project?

With a target completion date at the end of 2024, there’s room to achieve, grow and learn from the experience of colleagues. The size of the project and its timeline will allow me to contribute to different pieces of work and see different stages of the project completed.

Finally, what makes you proud to be here?

It has only been a four month journey for me so far, but I believe HS2 is a vital infrastructure project for the UK. I am proud to share in the efforts that the team are putting into the success of our mission.

JessicA

Geotechnical Engineer

“I’ve learnt a lot since my first day”

Jessica joined us in March 2018 during her apprenticeship year at Bouygues TP – and has since moved onto a permanent contract. She has a great insight into what it’s like to work at Align at the start of your career.

Why did you decide to join Align?

Bouygues TP highlighted the opportunity when I was looking for an internship abroad. Align matched with my professional objectives perfectly.

What does your role involve?

I am currently providing technical supervision on the ground investigation works and analysing and interpreting the geotechnical data they provide. I alternate between the site and the office.

What has your experience been like so far?

Very exciting but also challenging, regarding the scale of the project. It is my first professional experience abroad which has enabled me to improve my adaptability. My colleagues are energetic, involved and passionate. I find it very stimulating to work with them.

What’s been a memorable moment for you?

Last year an initiative was started to help give back to charities in the local community. I was very proud to hear that ground investigation works subcontractors had worked safely with zero incidents had managed to raise £250 as a result, which was donated to the Epilepsy Society.

Which aspect of the project most inspires you?

Its technical level. Working at Align has been truly fulfilling and lived up to my expectations. It has greatly improved my specialist knowledge.

How do you expect your skills and knowledge to grow during the project?

I expect them to continuously grow. I’ve learnt a lot since my first day on the project and I am more than happy to keep on improving myself. Align has always delivered in terms of training, especially for site matters.

What will it feel like to travel on a train through our section for the first time? 

I guess I will be very proud for contributing to make it real. It will be the final achievement of a big adventure.

Finally, what would you say to someone thinking of joining us?

I would say that they would gain a lot both professionally and personally by embracing any opportunity here.

ivar

senior Engineer

“i look forward to tackling the technical challenges”

Ivar came on board in September 2019, joining us from JV partner VolkerWessels. We asked for his take on working on the South Portal project.

Why did you decide to join Align?

While at VolkerWessels, I was looking for a new adventure. Align was proposed to me as an opportunity to work on one of Europe biggest construction projects. I could develop myself while working on a key project in the UK in an international environment. 

What does your role involve?

I plan and keep track of the progress of the civil works, with a particular emphasis on quality. This includes drainage, services, roads and reinforced concrete, where I  collaborate closely with the Package Lead.

What are your colleagues like to work with?

Working with Align means that you have a lot of colleagues with different nationalities. This is a good experience because people from other countries have a different perspective which will help to broaden my own.

What challenges are you looking forward to tackling?

This is a key year for the start of the Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). The construction of a number of factories must begin to allow the TBM to launch on the planned date. I look forward to tackling the technical and logistical challenges that go hand-in-hand with a project of this size.

How do you expect your skills and knowledge to grow during the project?

HS2 is a key project in the UK on which we will work to the highest standards. So, this is a good environment when you’re at an early phase of your career. I am sure the experience that I gain will help me in my future.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

I felt proud the day I heard I could work for Align. The first day I started I felt even more proud – and I’ve kept feeling that way. I’m looking forward to taking a highspeed train to Birmingham once the project is completed.

What would you say to someone thinking of coming to work on this project?

Do it, working on this project will definitely help you in your future career.

BOBBETTE

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

“the collaboration across the project is tremendous.”

Bobbette joined us in August 2017 having previously worked on Crossrail at Ilford Yard Stabling project with parent company Volkerfitzpatrick. We asked her to share her experiences of working on the project.

What’s involved in your role?

I am part of the Community Engagement /Stakeholder Team whose remit is to liaise with key stakeholders including HS2, Councils, Community/Action Groups, residents, businesses, charities, and schools to ensure that they are kept up to date with any site activity and deal with any issues or concerns.  This is done by way of regular meetings, notifications, drop-in-sessions and Public Engagement meetings. We have to-date delivered several public enragement meetings canvassing the views of residents which have been widely well received.

What has your experience been so far?

I love the variety of my role which allows me to dip into several areas which on the surface may not sit within my official remit, but nevertheless dovetails nicely.

Which aspect of the project inspires you most?

Initiatives which give back to the Community.  As an annual event we now do the Chilterns 3 Peaks challenge in support of Rennie Groves Hospice Care a charity providing specialist care and support for adults and children with a life-limiting illness. The event is a great bonding experience for colleagues as well as raising money for a worthy cause.

What are your colleagues they like to work with?

For me one of the biggest assets on the project is the workplace camaraderie. Our colleagues are unfailingly helpful, supportive and friendly.  Being able to work in a collaborative environment with professionals keen to deliver a world class project is a joy.

What makes you proud about being part of the project?

Working on the biggest and most ambitious infrastructure project in the UK which is predicted to deliver legacy benefits to Communities in years to come.

What will it feel like to travel on a train through our section for the first time? 

A sense of awe that is has been accomplished and that in some small way was part of making it happen.

Finally, what would you say to someone thinking of coming to work on this project?

Just do it! There is no doubt that this is a challenging project, but what an opportunity to shape history.