In Autumn 2023, we launched our brand-new internship programme.
Selecting four individuals from a local talent pool at The Dudley Institute of Technology, our interns have now been fully immersed in our design department – learning about everything from PAMIR software, to how Posi-Joists are manufactured off-site.
Our internship programme spans six months alongside study, giving students first-hand experiences in all aspects of MiTek’s operations.
Since starting their internships, Ajibola, Eve, Poppy and Rohan have all gained valuable knowledge… we sat down with them to find out more.
From T-levels to trusses
For our interns the traditional ‘A’ level route didn’t offer the experience they sought. Unlike A levels, T-levels offer a mix of academic and practical learning, as Eve has experienced:
“Since starting at MiTek I’ve learned about floors and roof specifics, as well as learning about software. It’s given me a lot of insight, as we hadn’t covered floors or roofing in my course. This is definitely more industry-specific.”
Launched in 2020 the new two-year T Level courses, which are taken after GCSEs, are broadly the equivalent to 3 A Levels. What makes the scheme so relevant in today’s market is the fact it has been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so content meets the needs of industry, while preparing students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or higher education.
T Levels give our interns practical and knowledge-based learning at college and on-the-job experience here at MiTek for at least 45 days. For Eve, the course is giving her valuable insight into the construction industry:
“I thought T-levels would be good for me as I wanted to get into construction. The course gives me a chance to look at and learn about different areas of construction.” For Rohan, a career in construction was also an obvious choice, with many of his family members in professional roles:
“I always knew I wanted to go into the construction industry, as my family are in architecture and civil engineering. The T-level course summed up everything I wanted to do!”
Being at MiTek has enabled him to experience how an actual 9-5 day works and given him a thirst for design. He’d like to continue learning about PAMIR and CAD: “that’s probably what I want to do in the future”, he says.
Our interns are now three months into their placements with us, and practically applying the knowledge from their course through hands-on experiences at MiTek UK. They are broadening their skills and perspectives and most importantly enjoying their journey.
PAMIR and practical projects
Design is one area of shortage affecting the UK currently, and our programme gives our interns an in-depth understanding of it. Together they are learning about software and 3D CAD, developing designs, and taking them right through to manufacture.
For Ajibola, learning about the design process has been an enjoyable one. He says his internship is enabling him to experience the construction world and get familiar with it before he goes out into the big wide world. Like all our interns, he wants to take on as much knowledge as he can whilst at MiTek.
As our interns learn more about the design process, they’ve been given opportunities to take on real-world projects. Poppy comments:
“My favourite assessment was when we got to work on a floor design. It was a really interesting task that took us a while to do, but it gave us a challenge as we had to fix anything that went wrong.”
For Rohan, communication has been a key factor in learning about our leading software platform, PAMIR, which is used throughout the industry to design homes, everything from roof trusses to floor joists and now wall panels with PAMIR Walls.
“Communication at MiTek has been really good. PAMIR is a bit like a different language at first, but the design team help us – as well as the four of us interns working together as a team.”
Ajibola adds; “My favourite project is one we did in PAMIR, where we had to design a house with a balcony. We had to add loads, and we faced some challenges during the design process. You have to be precise.”
Posi-Joist and prefabrication
One key experience for the interns has been the opportunity to visit MiTek client ETS and learn more about Posi-Joist manufacturing off-site.
Starting with a tour of the factory, the interns were shown design processes using PAMIR, before having a go at making Posi-Joists themselves.
Rohan comments:
“We recently got to visit ETS, who are a customer of MiTek. They manufacture Posi-Joists, and they’ve got two presses that line up the timber, and the plates go on top. We got to have a go at putting the wood and joists in place, it was great to see how fast it is and how prefabrication works!”
Our interns approached the day at ETS with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn – actively engaging in their work, showing us all that the future of our industry is a promising one!
Part of the team – part of the family
A definitive part of our intern’s experience is our collaborative approach. Working alongside professionals in our team, the interns work in an environment that encourages them to exchange ideas and find creative solutions. For Poppy, the team has been like family: “The team is so welcoming and it’s a really friendly company to work for. Everyone works together, and no one is left working alone.”
Likewise, Eve adds that there is always a lot of support from the team: “Everyone will come and help us if we’ve got questions.”
As the interns continue their internship programme, they add new skills to their repertoire. For Poppy, people skills have been a key part of her personal development:
“Since joining the team, I’ve gained people skills. I’ve been able to introduce myself to new people and communicate. I feel much more professional!”
The interns are growing and developing in their own unique ways, but thanks to the scheme everyone is gaining confidence: “I’m more confident talking to people. Before, in a new environment, I could be shy. With everyone being so welcoming here and talking to us – it definitely builds your confidence”, says Eve.
Her new knowledge has been key. Knowledge which Eve believes will be integral in securing a future job role: “My takeaway from my internship is a lot of knowledge. I’ve learned about Posi-Joists and roofing, as well as how to use PAMIR software. It’s the knowledge that will help with getting a job.”
Here at MiTek, we must support, challenge, and inspire the next generation coming into the industry. Our internship programme offers a unique blend of innovation, learning and hands-on application. So far, our interns have taken on all tasks with a forward-thinking approach and eagerness to learn. We’re excited to see how they continue to develop and shape the future of our industry, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.
Our interns returned to the office at the end of January for their final stint with us before returning to college to finish their T Level courses. For their final four weeks with us, they will be honing their design skills and learning more about how we win new business and support our customers.
