Month: February 2022

Our two brand new EC220 Volvo’s in action out on site in the Midlands this week.

O’Brien Contractors have once again invested in the latest state of the art GPS X-53x Auto Machine Control System which guarantee accurate dimensional and level control.

This ensures our right first time approach is achieved, with minimal engineering input.

Integrated power

The X-53x system features fully integrated, multi-constellation GR-i3 receivers for precise positioning of the boom, stick and bucket. The GR-i3 is designed as an integrated GNSS receiver and antenna, providing powerful performance in harsh environmental conditions. The automatic option includes custom joysticks and an integrated hydraulic control valve.

Accurate and Efficient Systems with Remote Technology

O’Brien’s use of these systems alongside our centralised IT systems and mobile communications allows our engineers to remotely monitor, measure, and make changes quickly in ‘real-time’ as a response to changing conditions or any changes in design.  The system also allows our engineers to provide remote support to drivers, helping them deal with any problems which may arise.

As part of National Apprenticeship week, we decided to put the spotlight on our apprentice Bradley Walters who is currently working on our Shire Lodge Cemetery Extension project in Corby.

At O’Brien, our apprentices get on the job experience and training and spend 1 day per week at a training centre or university so will come away with an industry recognised qualification or degree. There are no limits or boundaries in terms of progression within the company and we encourage everyone to take an initiative-taking approach to their job, to put themselves forward for training that will develop their skills and discuss ways in which they can advance their career.

We asked Bradley some questions on his apprenticeship with O’Brien Contractors:

Bradley came on board with the company in 2019 age 25 after a member of staff recommended the commitment of O’Brien to its apprenticeship scheme and also told him about the company’s values and commitment to staff training and progression. Bradley has been working on various sites for the last 3 years for four days a week to gain practical experience and studying one day a week at Solihull college for his qualifications.

Collaborating with different staff members on site, for around 6 months at a time, he has found this helpful to gain different experiences and approaches to the tasks he conducts on site.

Bradley has so far completed his HNC Civils and is currently working on his NVQ Level 4 in Construction Management and HND Civil Engineering. He has also received Buried Services, Cable Detection qualifications and is a qualified First Aider on site, as well as having his CSCS card. Bradley gets about in his company van to attend site and his college courses.

Bradley said “I really enjoy working at O’Brien as everyone is friendly, helpful and they make me feel involved and included. I find it easy to approach all members of staff including the Directors, who are involved with the projects. If I need someone to speak to or need assistance everyone is extremely helpful, and nothing is too much trouble.”

His long terms plans are to complete his NVQ 5 & 6 as well as SSMTS qualifications, and a selection of other courses that are available through the O’Brien training programme to eventually become a Project Manager.

See our careers page for details of apprenticeships: https://obriencontractors.co.uk/careers/

For further details on NAW2022 see: https://neaan.org.uk/naw2022/

Our Town Park project progress in Bedford. This week the weather has been brilliant and the progress on the project has been fantastic.

The scheme is really starting to take shape on this project site and along with the works on The Greenway, the two projects will bring new communities together on this wonderful new development!