Trainees around the world: Filip’s placement in Canada.

Why did you decide to join the trainee programme at ZÜBLIN?

After completing my Master’s degree in Business Administration, I knew I wanted to do a trainee programme so that I could get to know different areas of the business. Another advantage, in my view, was the opportunity to find out which areas I particularly enjoy. The chance to be involved in engineering and infrastructure construction made it an easy decision for me to apply for a trainee role at ZÜBLIN – especially as infrastructure projects are so relevant at the moment.

How did your trainee programme go?

My commercial trainee programme lasted a total of 13 months and comprised nine placements – including two site assignments and a period abroad. After a short induction period in my department, I set off straight away for my first construction site assignment in Munich. This gave me the chance to get to know the work of project management specialists better. It was particularly exciting for me to work directly on a construction site for the first time, as I’d had very little experience of it before. I then rotated through various specialist departments, such as Procurement, Controlling, People & Culture and Accounting. This gave me the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the upstream and downstream processes and to get to know the key contacts in the specialist departments personally. 

For me, one of the programme’s highlights was definitely the final placement abroad in Toronto, where I was able to apply and build on everything I’d learnt throughout the programme in a completely new environment.

Which project were you assigned to in Toronto, and what were your responsibilities?

During my time in Canada, I wasassigned to the ‘Advance Tunnel of the Scarborough Subway Extension’ (ATSSE) project in Toronto. ATSSE is a project designed to help improve public transport in Toronto. The existing Metro Line 2 is to be extended by around seven kilometres to Scarborough, a suburb of Toronto. STRABAG Tunnelbau is responsible for the tunnel boring work, which involves the use of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) with a diameter of 11.9 metres.

My assignment was divided into two parts. I spent the first half at the TBM ‘launch shaft’ on the construction site. Here, I primarily supported the procurement team with their day-to-day tasks and was also able to assist with stock management. Being so close to the construction site gave me the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the project and the tunnelling process.

I spent the second half in the office, near the construction site. This is where the project-specific commercial and administrative departments were based. This gave me the opportunity to witness the execution of traditional commercial tasks, such as preparing the monthly accounts. I was also able to assist with a number of special tasks here, which gave me new insights into areas such as project controlling.

In what ways did your trainee duties in Germany differ from those during your assignment abroad?

Many processes are similar in substance to the work carried out in Germany. In some cases, however, the way things are carried out is slightly different, for example because different systems are used. That was interesting, as I had the opportunity to apply familiar knowledge and experience in a new environment. However, many topics were also completely new to me, if only because it was my first time working on a tunnel construction project.

What memory from your time in Canada has stayed with you the most?

My first visit to the tunnel has definitely stuck in my mind. I was particularly impressed by the sheer scale of the tunnel and the complexity of the TBM. You might use the underground regularly, but you rarely realise the effort that goes into a construction project like this. It was really exciting to witness the whole thing as it was being built.

Even outside of the project, Toronto definitely had a lot to offer. One highlight for me was attending a Toronto Raptors basketball match. Watching an NBA match live certainly left a lasting impression.

How did you spend your free time in Canada?

Toronto is a great city with plenty of sights and leisure activities. I was lucky that a few other trainees were working on projects in Toronto at the same time as me. We mainly used the weekends to explore the city and went to various sporting events, concerts, restaurants and bars, and museums, amongst other things. We also went on lots of short trips to other cities in Ontario and Québec, such as Ottawa and Montréal.

There’s plenty of nature around the city, which is particularly enjoyable during the warmer months. Many of the national parks are within easy reach for a day trip and offer a lovely change of scenery from the city.

In your view, why is it worth doing a trainee programme at ZÜBLIN?

By working in different departments, you gain a more holistic understanding of the company and realise how the individual processes are interlinked. This knowledge also helps me enormously in my current role as a project manager. 

Not only do you gain an insight into the business processes, but you also learn a great deal about construction in general through your time on site. What I particularly appreciate is that I’ve been able to get to know many colleagues who still take the time to help me with any questions I have.

What does ‘Work On Progress’ mean to you?

To me,‘Work On Progress’ means constantly striving to keep pace with progress – especially when you consider current issues such as sustainability or digitalisation. I believe a progressive and forward-looking approach is particularly valuable in civil engineering and infrastructure construction.

What happened next for you after you completed your trainee programme?

After the trainee programme, I started as a project manager in the Engineering and Infrastructure Construction division in Munich. I’m currently supporting both ongoing projects and new business development projects.

Thank you very much for these interesting insights, Filip. We wish you every success in your future career!