"We have a responsibility to help the engineers of the future make the right decisions"

A successful internship programme was implemented for civil engineering students in the summer of 2024 by SWIETELSKY Magyarország Kft. The intensive professional development programme focused on the areas of road construction and building construction in the construction industry. Its aim was to provide engineering students with in-depth knowledge in these fields and to gain practical experience through real-life projects. Participants had the opportunity to work directly with experienced engineers and gain insight into the construction technologies and methods used by the company.

"The construction industry is constantly evolving, and our company recognises the need to prepare the professionals of the future now. This programme gives students the opportunity to work on real projects and experience first-hand what it's like to work for a market-leading company. In addition, brandBuild is also important for our company: we want young people to see that SWIETELSKY Magyarország Kft. is not just a place to work, but a supportive community where development and learning are at the heart of everything. Throughout the programme, we have paid attention to making students feel valued and important to the company and that the company's long-term goal is to achieve success together", said Dóra Wernitzer, HR Generalist in charge of the SWIETELSKY Magyarország Kft. programme.

József Zóka, Head of HR at SWIETELSKY Magyarország Kft. highlighted the responsibility of the construction profession and companies. "It is important that the sector, experienced professionals and the companies involved take the steps towards young people that will help them at the beginning of their journey. It is our job to make them love the industry, to help them find areas of interest and to help them choose where to go. If we take them seriously and give them useful information and experience, they are more likely to make good decisions about where to work."

He added: "This programme was also a good opportunity to show him our company and our operations, as not everyone had heard of the company. In these few weeks, they could get a deeper impression of the SWIETELSKY."

Huge demand for professional development

More details of the programme were provided by Dóra Wernitzer. As she said, the opportunity was presented to young people at the job fair this spring. There was great interest, many people applied. The selection process started with a face-to-face interview, where students were given the opportunity to express their interests and meet the professional managers.

In the end, 15 people were given the opportunity to participate in the programme - a higher number than in previous years. The students came from different universities and colleges in Hungary. They included students from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, the University of Pécs and the University of Óbuda, among others.

The traineeship programme started in June 2024 and consisted of four, six or even more weeks - explained Dóra Wernitzer. "Our company tried to take into account the needs of the participating students: we were flexible and personalised in dealing with individual situations. Some of them spent only 4 weeks with us, but others more than 2 months."

Dóra was supported by an HR trainee who was the primary contact between the students and the regional managers.

Theoretical and practical knowledge for future engineers

Participants had many valuable opportunities to gain in-depth and comprehensive professional experience. Most importantly, the trainees were able to work on real construction projects, participating in site visits and gaining first-hand insights into road construction and building construction work. "On these projects, they worked under the guidance of experienced engineers and site managers who mentored and supported them, helping them to develop their professional development and skills. For example, they received up-to-date information on industry standards and regulations and everyday good practice."

The trainees also said they improved in a number of areas during the programme, such as reading technical drawings, interpreting plans, teamwork and problem-solving skills. "I have learned to put my theoretical knowledge into practice, to better understand the importance of cross-disciplinary cooperation and to see the project from proposal to delivery," summarised Csenge Hajdu, an architecture student.

In terms of theoretical knowledge, trainees highlighted that they have improved a lot in their knowledge of construction programs and software use. In line with industry trends, SWIETELSKY Magyarország strives to provide its colleagues with the latest digital tools to work efficiently and qualitatively on its construction sites, and this is something that the trainees gained insight into during their daily work.

High, low and road construction: consciously structured site visits

The sites have been carefully selected to give trainees the widest possible experience of different aspects of the construction industry. The organisers have taken into account the diversity of projects, technological innovations and learning opportunities for trainees.

The renovation of the central section of the M3 metro line was completed in May last year. "One of its stops, for example, was chosen to show students a recently completed, modern and technologically advanced project. The reconstruction of the metro line required unique and outstanding engineering work from our experienced team, which gave the trainees a very special opportunity to gain insight into the details, challenges and solutions of large-scale urban transport projects"- explained Dóra Wernitzer.

The other site was a hotel in the city centre, which is currently under construction. Here, young people were given an insight into the current work on a high-rise construction project. They were able to observe the structural and general construction work and the interior design phases.

"The group also visited the recently completed Székesfehérvár Asphalt Mixing Plant. For those interested in road construction, it was very exciting to be able to study in person the operation of a modern asphalt mixing technology. They were able to learn about the asphalt production process, from the preparation of raw materials to the production of the final product"- he detailed.

This was accompanied by a tour of the M6 reconstruction works: "The demonstration of motorway milling and asphalting works gave the trainees a direct insight into road construction works and modern paving techniques. They were able to observe the application and smoothing of asphalt layers and quality control processes."The pavement construction technicians were able to observe the modern paving techniques and the modern asphalt paving techniques.

Useful experiences and results

The feedback from the students was that the mission was a great success.

Most of the young people emphasised the practical knowledge and personal experience gained, so the young people who took part returned to school with good impressions. They also emphasised the teamwork, concentration, punctuality and professionalism that they had acquired during these few weeks from the professionals of SWIETELSKY Magyarország.

The programme also "passed the test" for professional leaders. "The students reported that they received a lot of help from their mentors, they felt like serious and responsible team members, they were able to solve the tasks they were given well, and they felt a sense of achievement under the wing of their mentors. And the company's staff are pleased with the students' enthusiasm and willingness to learn, and in many cases already see them as potential future employees. And some of our trainees are keen to return to us next year for a similar programme, or can see their future with us after graduation".