Team Talk

Describe LBA in three words:

• Supportive
• Passionate
• Welcoming

What do you enjoy about coming to work every day?

I enjoy the challenges that each week brings. There is so much to learn within the industry and I’ve got an incredible team behind me who are all extremely passionate about what they do.

How did you hear of LBA / what made you want to work here?

I came across LBA’s website while I was searching for degree apprenticeships. After having a read through their website, I was drawn in instantly. During my interview, I could see how respected LBA was within the industry and I couldn’t envision myself working anywhere else.  LBA’s history is another feature which made them stand out over any of the other employers out there.

Why did you opt to go down the apprentice route?

I chose the apprenticeship route as I’ll be able to get invaluable employability skills while working towards a degree. There is no better way to consolidate theoretical knowledge than by applying it in a working environment, that’s what apprenticeships are about. And as a bonus – you’re earning a salary while you’re at it.

What are the benefits of being in an apprenticeship?

There is so much support from both the university and the companies involved. The apprenticeship allows you to dedicate enough hours each week to ensure that you do not fall behind on university work.

What are the challenging parts of the apprenticeship?

A degree apprenticeship is as academically challenging as a full-time degree but has additional pressure of working at the same time. I’d say that the most challenging part of the apprenticeship would therefore be keeping a perfect balance between university work and my professional work.

What have you learnt since joining LBA?

Prior to joining LBA, I had no knowledge behind the process of constructing a tunnel. Now, a few months later, I’d already consider myself a tunnelling enthusiast. Since joining LBA, I’ve learnt how to manage my time efficiently, work towards deadlines and have come out of my comfort zone when given the opportunity to. One  example is LBA encouraging me to attend the NCE 2021 Tunnelling Festival where I was able to network with other young engineers.

What are you most excited about?

I’m really excited to start applying the content that I learn at university to the professional environment. Within the next five years, I’ll be expected to have had experience in managing a team, be involved with the costs/budgets of a project and the list goes on. With all this experience, it is almost guaranteed that apprentices will finish the course as a highly competent engineer.

What has been the best thing about LBA in your experience so far?

Once a month, someone from within LBA or an industry friend will give a lecture to the rest of the company within their field of expertise. I really enjoy these as it it’s a fantastic way to expand my own knowledge and keep up to date with what others are doing within the company. Also, there’s usually a sociable chat afterwards which finishes the day off quite nicely.

Advice to anyone thinking of applying here.

Show that you’re willing to learn and really try to get your personality across in any interviews you may have with LBA.

LBA values every employee equally and will keep an eye out for any development opportunities that arise to ensure that you’re always the best version of yourself.

Describe LBA in three words or phrases:

• Passionate
• Hold a broad depth of knowledge
• Unique

What do you enjoy about coming to work every day?

The variety of challenges that are faced on a day-to-day basis, especially within the delivery team of tunnel construction, which never allows for a dull day. Sharing ideas and experience to overcome issues that have risen, no matter how big or small, is invaluable and watching the team come together to overcome them is impressive. Anything is possible with the right team by your side.

How did you hear of LBA / what made you want to work here?

During a transitional period on a project in Somerset the opportunity became available to join the team. Working alongside the LBA team and seeing the way in which they work, it was apparent that this is the company to be part of within the industry.

What have you learnt since joining LBA?

There is a huge amount of time and effort that is spent investing in people within the company, not only to help enhance their careers but also to accommodate them where possible in people’s personal lives as well.

What has been the best thing about LBA in your experience so far?

The support that is offered and the care from each team member is something I’ve never experienced working with any other company before.  Having the opportunity to work with people who have a great amount of expertise in specialised areas is incredible. It gives you great confidence knowing  you have these people in your team, not only to help support you but also to help deliver great work.

Advice to anyone thinking of applying here.

Why the hesitation? The opportunities available on multiple major projects, the support provided and the depth of knowledge available is incredible. I don’t believe there is any other company within this industry that could offer the same.

Describe LBA in three words:

• Warm
• Welcoming
• Progressive

What do you enjoy about coming to work every day?

The part I love about coming to work every day is the friendly atmosphere. Everyone is willing to help anyone. Every day is also different, something new every day.

How did you hear of LBA / what made you want to work here?

I heard about LBA through a recruiter. She informed me of the Admin Assistant position that had opened and knew I would be the right fit. My choice to work for LBA was made during the interview. They were friendly and honest in answering all my questions and valued a person’s attitude and approach to work. They made me feel like a part of the team before I was even a team member.

What have you learnt since joining LBA?

Coming from a completely different background (The Royal Navy) I thought I would be completely lost hearing engineering terms, but any question I had was answered so precisely and easily that I learnt very quickly, from acronyms to each branch under the engineering tree. Also, I have learnt that a lot of hard work and effort goes into the behind the scenes of all engineering projects.

What has been the best thing about LBA in your experience so far?

The best part about LBA in my experience so far is how adaptable the company is. Joining the team, a week before the first lockdown, and then everyone being told to work from home, it was amazing to see how the directors put a plan in motion to ensure everyone had everything they needed for a home set-up. LBA is nothing but adaptable and fluid, which grows in line with procedures and tirelessly looks, and is sought out, for new opportunities.

Advice to anyone thinking of applying here.

My advice to anyone thinking about applying here is to just go for it. They are future focussed and always want to progress and help young new engineers. They also value expertise in a field. If you have a fountain of knowledge, experience is very welcome.

Describe LBA in three words:

• Supportive
• Collaborative
• Sociable

What do you enjoy about coming to work every day?

Chatting to colleagues about their work on a variety of different commissions around the UK.

How did you hear of LBA / what made you want to work here?

In 2016, a family friend had a relative who was part of the team at LBA, and they helped me arrange my sixth form work experience in London. During my time, I was able to observe the construction of the Bond Street station upgrade, as well as work with people from a variety of different engineering disciplines on work from calculations to station aesthetics. It really gave me a good taste of what kind of career I could be starting. My work experience at LBA was one of the things that really convinced me that I wanted to pursue a career in engineering. I went on to get a mechanical engineering degree and apply for a full-time position with LBA.

What have you learnt since joining LBA?

LBA has never been afraid to invest in me and has been great at offering me opportunities to expand my skillset through courses and internal support. I’ve completed CAD and fire safety courses, which have both expanded my knowledge and helped me achieve valuable relevant qualifications. I’ve also gained invaluable real-world experience, working directly with a wide variety of qualified and experienced engineers. This has helped me learn more about the broader industry, as opposed to the engineering taught in a university lecture.

What has been the best thing about LBA in your experience so far?

One of the social nights for sure, if not the Christmas party then the darts night. But I also love working on the underground – seeing the unopened Crossrail tunnels for the first time was amazing.

Advice to anyone thinking of applying here:

To really try to get your personality across while applying. Being part of the team at LBA is important and they should try and show that they’re up for that.

Describe LBA in three words:

• Caring (like a little family!)
• Always going the extra mile
• Extremely supportive

What do you enjoy about coming to work every day?

The people you work with and the interface you have/relationships you build whilst working on different projects.

How did you hear of LBA / what made you want to work here?

Through a colleague I used to work with (Brian Wareham) on the Bond Street Station project. I was working with CH2M at the time and then went abroad to Dubai. I kept in touch with Brian who recommended LBA to me. I had a nice warm welcome from the team when I first met them too.

What have you learnt since joining LBA?

I’ve learnt a lot – not sure where to start! From numerous assurance-related activities I have been involved in during my time on the HS2 project (which has been the bulk of the work I have been involved with since joining LBA) to Quality Management (auditing) and also commercial awareness.

What has been the best thing about LBA in your experience so far?

LBA is always encouraging career progression and always willing to provide support throughout your journey with them.

Advice to anyone thinking of applying here.

If they would like to work for a company who cares about their health and wellbeing then this is the company to join! LBA is always supportive and goes over and beyond to meet each employee’s requirements and needs.

Describe LBA in three words:

• Rewarding
• Teamwork
• Inclusive

What do you enjoy about coming to work every day?

Working with a diverse team behind me, supporting all that I do and the diverse range of commissions we all work on and that LBA get involved with.

How did you hear of LBA / what made you want to work here?

I worked with many of the founding members on the London Bridge JLE project, and it was a natural step to join them as their first employee when they asked me to help on their first commission on CTRL/HS1.

What have you learnt since joining LBA?

I’ve learnt that whatever I do and whatever commission I am on, there is always an LBA colleague available on hand to offer advice, help and assistance if required. The team is greater than the sum of its parts, so the saying goes.

What has been the best thing about LBA in your experience so far

The best thing about LBA is being part of a great team. Inclusive, diverse and engaging, they are more like a very large family rather than work colleagues.

Advice to anyone thinking of applying here.

If you want to be part of a small, yet progressive, company that will make you feel part of ‘The Family’ from day one and will support you in your career progression, then go for it.