Month: July 2022

Anthony Watson Pedals Through France on a  Cycle Challenge to Raise Money for the Royal British Legion

Our Pre-Construction Manager, Anthony Watson is busy on his bike at the weekends training for his forthcoming charity ride to Ypres, Belgium with the Royal British Legion Cycling Group.

This annual charity event passes through the historic Somme region of France before crossing into Belgium and finishing at the iconic Menin Gate in Ypres.

This event is truly about the journey as the riders visit several historic battlegrounds and war memorials to remember those who gave so much to defend our freedom.

Starting from Dunkirk beach, he will be visiting the moving memorial to the Wormhout Massacre, the trenches and scenic memorial at Vimy Ridge, visiting St Mary’s A.D Cemetery, the Tunnelers Memorial, Ploegsteert Memorial as well as the Missing, the Australian Memorial in Fromelles, Mesen, the Caterpillar Crater, Hill 60, Tyne Cott the Aeroplane Cemetery and finally we will pass through the spectacular Menin Gate in Ypres.

Anthony is raising much needed money for the Royal British Legion and would be grateful if you could visit his JustGiving page to donate.

The link to the page is here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pedaltoypres2325july2022-craigsigley?fbclid=IwAR2nULnJdT04x8RcL3-U6WAeWqYPyrN6XFEA0BGddPIdCYTt_nkfr7TNZ3Y&utm_id=124

Anthony would also like to thank the businesses who have given generously and sponsored his Team WCA cycling jerseys this year.

These are;

• O’Brien Contractors Ltd
• Auctus Management Group Ltd
• Cordia Blackswan
• Nolan Associates Consulting Structural and Civil Engineers
• Clancy Consulting
• Dragonfly Consulting
• Briggs & Forrester Group
• rg+p Ltd
• Barclays, who are matching fundraising up to £1,000.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.

O’Brien welcomed Luke and Mason, 2 Year 10 students for a taste of construction life on a week’s work experience out on site and in the office, an experience they both enjoyed, confirming an interest in groundworks for Mason and sparking an interest for Luke.

O’Brien have for many years had a longstanding commitment to encouraging and developing young people in the construction industry, providing them with opportunities to gain experience with our company with work placements, work experience and apprenticeships.  We believe it is important that we encourage and support the next generation of construction workers.

Mason

Mason is 15 years old and a Year 10 student and has an interest in working in groundworks when he leaves school.

Mason really enjoyed his week with us and commented, “It is hard work but being out on site with the lads, who were brilliant with me, has shown me what to expect when I choose this career when I leave school.”

Luke

Luke is 15 years old and a Year 10 student and really enjoyed his week of work experience and commented:

“I was fortunate enough to spend a week working at O’Brien Contractors as part of my work experience in 2022.

After a thorough health and safety introduction I spent some time in the finance office as well as at various construction sites. Finance was my very first office experience and it gave me an insight into the financial workings of a company. The remainder of my time was spent on site, sparking an interest in civil engineering. This was by far the favourite part of my week; I found the work both interesting and enjoyable.

O’Brien staff were professional and helpful, I really appreciate the opportunity. I would like to thank them all for their encouragement and time.”

O’Brien Welcomes the Opportunity to Provide Young People with Work Experience Opportunities

O’Brien welcomes the opportunity to provide young people with the opportunity to overcome concerns around the world of employment, giving them insight and understanding of the workplace through work experience placements, particularly if they have an interest in the construction and civil engineering industry out on site or in support functions that make up our head office.

A live working environment gives our work placements the opportunity to experience the work life routine.  The experience gives them knowledge and confidence along the way, which is important when making the transition from education to employment, a prospect which some young people find daunting and even particularly difficult.

O’Brien have for many years provided short- and longer-term work experience opportunities in both our office and site environments, which for many students have confirmed their choice of working within our industry, encouraging a new generation of construction workers.  Providing work experience placements also forms part of our commitment to social value within our business.