Figuring out what’s next after leaving school can sometimes be daunting to think about. That’s why Go Construct has been asking our STEM Ambassadors and some apprentices who currently work within our industry to share what advice they wish they had when they left school and why a career in construction could be the right path for you.
Meet semi-retired engineer Peter Samain
My name is Peter Samain, and I am now a semi-retired engineer who spent my working life in construction engineering working all around the world in the USA, Southeast Asia, central and eastern Europe and many other places around the globe. I started my working life as a craft apprentice pipefitter from where I migrated via night school and day release through various courses culminating in a bachelor’s degree (and subsequently a master’s).
What advice would you give to your younger self leaving school?
There is no greater satisfaction than seeing your design work translated into real buildings fulfilling useful roles. I worked on car assembly plants, data centres, life science and pharmaceutical research facilities, air cargo terminals, and metro rail systems among many other things.
Why should you consider a career in construction?
Starting out in a practical hands-on training environment apprenticeship, it was absolutely the right thing for me as it is for many others. You earn as you learn in a vocational, experience-led atmosphere. The world needs more people who can actually do things, rather than just talk about them.
What has been the most rewarding part of your job?
Engineering is a highly prized, and 'portable' profession. I know of no country in the world (and I have worked in over 20 of them), where engineers are not needed and prized (alongside doctors and nurses).
Learn more about careers and apprenticeships with Go Construct
Find out more about the 180 different careers available in construction: