Developing skills, confidence and connections on the RSK Graduate Scheme

This article is part two of Kitty’s graduate diary. Read part one here.

Supporting sustainable development across different sectors

Over the past few months, I’ve gradually felt more settled into the role, and it’s been great getting to know my colleagues better. Everyone has been so welcoming. My responsibilities have increased at a steady, manageable pace, which has helped me build confidence and feel more comfortable in the role.

I’ve been supporting the development of construction environmental management plans for clients on solar farms, battery storage sites and residential developments. I’ve also been helping to update our internal systems to ensure they align with current environmental legislation.

Gaining experience on a landmark battery storage build

Following an initial training session as part of the early careers programme RSK Environment runs, and after I passed my Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) safety exam, I’ve been working on-site weekly. I shadow my line manager, and each visit involves carrying out an environmental audit to ensure the site is complying with the mitigation measures in place and is following best‑practice procedures.

Spending time on-site has been extremely valuable. It enables me to see how the measures we specify in reports are implemented in practice, which in turn helps me make clearer, more realistic assessments about what is achievable on-site. Sites are large and have lots of machinery, so I’ve had to get used to that, but it’s exciting to be involved in the early stages of the construction of what will be Europe’s largest battery energy storage facility.

How the graduate scheme supports professional and personal development

Being part of the environment managers team at the business has helped me see the bigger picture. I feel I’ve developed a much stronger understanding of the environmental complexities within the construction industry since starting my placement, particularly how many different departments and specialists need to work together to keep environmental impact at the forefront of a project.

I also feel I’ve grown personally. I’m starting to trust my own judgement more as the placement progresses. RSK Environment has created a supportive atmosphere in which I’ve always felt comfortable asking questions, and I’ve genuinely felt that my input has been valued from the beginning, even at times when I didn’t have as much confidence in myself.

Building relationships and building on progress as first placement draws to a close

I’ve also had the chance to attend RSK’s Junior Business Development Forum in Sheffield. This was a two‑day networking event where I met lots of people from across RSK who are also in the first five years of their careers. We completed two hours of volunteering too. Overall, it was a valuable opportunity to build relationships and get to know people from different graduate cohorts.

As I enter the final months of my placement, I’d like to continue building on the progress I’ve made so far, developing my technical knowledge, gaining more confidence in my judgement and strengthening the professional relationships I’ve formed within the team. I’d also like to keep taking on new responsibilities when possible so that I finish the placement feeling well‑prepared for my next rotation.

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