In Autumn 2023, we launched our first internship programme. Fast forward six months, and our four interns have recently completed their internships.
Selected from an impressive pool of talent at The Dudley Institute of Technology, our interns have shown promising ambition and a forward-thinking attitude over the course of their time here.
Having been fully immersed in MiTek over a six month period, our interns, Poppy, Eve, Ajibola and Rohan have become proficient in PAMIR, improved their confidence, and are leaving MiTek with a bright future in construction.
We caught up with all four interns to find out how MiTek has shaped their future and played a key part in their professional and personal development.
Bridging theory with practice
A significant element of our internship programme is focused on advancing knowledge they have obtained during their studies, and practically applying their skills in the workplace. Whilst classroom learning provides a solid foundation, it’s real-world experiences that show the complexity of a role in construction. This is why our interns work alongside seasoned professionals.
“My internship has been a great experience,” explains Eve. “I’ve gained a lot of knowledge that I wouldn’t have gained at college. It’s helped build towards what I can do in the future, giving me insight into everything that’s included in the construction industry.”
Poppy adds: “Since starting my internship I’ve improved my technical skills and computer skills. My knowledge has broadened, and I’m able to use new software, and even understand keyboard shortcuts – I’m definitely more advanced now!”
For Ajibola, his experience has shown him that there’s much more to the construction industry than he initially thought: “It’s been great to be part of the work environment at MiTek and see that the construction industry is so much more than just designers, sites and factories.”
Hands-on experience
Our programme has offered our interns hands-on experience in various facets of the industry, including design, planning, factory floor and on-site visits.
A visit to Engineered Timber Solutions proved popular among our interns. They had hands-on experience making Posi-Joists in the factory.
For Eve, visiting ETS was a great chance to see a female lead in a construction company: “The visit to ETS really stood out for me, as we got to see the machines that press plates and everything in action. It’s also great to see someone who’s a female head running a construction company, as it’s not very common. It was great to speak to her too!”
“The visit to ETS was one of my favourite experiences,” says Rohan, “as well as when we got to see the account side of things at MiTek. It was interesting to see how the steel is ordered, as well as the timber for testing, and the documenting process – there’s a logical order to everything.”
For Ajibola, his final presentation was a highlight: “We’ve done a range of projects during our time at MiTek, including creating Posi-Joists for flooring. The final PowerPoint presentation was my favourite part, as I got to reflect on my journey with MiTek.”
Exposure to diverse roles
The construction industry encompasses a wide range of roles and disciplines, and our interns have been able to experience all sides of MiTek’s business – allowing them to explore different areas of interest and discover their passions within the field. Whether working closely with our design team, or our packing team, our interns were able to gain insight into all the roles that contribute to MiTek.
“The training course in PAMIR helped broaden my knowledge of technology and how to use the software that MiTek produces,” comments Poppy.
Eve says, “It’s hard to say what’s been my favourite part of the internship, as I’ve enjoyed everything we’ve done. I enjoyed seeing the testing in the factory, and seeing what pressures the plates can withstand.”
Learning PAMIR hasn’t come without its challenges, as Rohan explains: “One of my biggest challenges has been getting my head around PAMIR. The team have been great, helping us understand all the small details – and ensuring our joists turn from red to green!”
A foundation for success
During their time with us, our interns have taken on a wide range of tasks and challenges, laying the foundations for a successful career in the construction industry. A warm, and supportive welcome from the team has ensured no question, big or small has been left unanswered.
“MiTek is such a collaborative space, and everyone’s so welcoming,” comments Eve.
Poppy adds, “I’m excited about the future and being a part of the community in construction.”
For Rohan, it’s an experience he’d recommend: “I would definitely recommend an internship at MiTek to others. It’s been brilliantly formatted and has allowed us to see all aspects of MiTek – we’ve seen the factory, sales team and design team.”
Ajibola adds, “MiTek has been very welcoming and comforting. They’ve given me a voice to speak, and the team listens to me. I’ve had support whenever I’ve needed it, and the experience has helped show me what I would prefer to pursue in the industry. The team are inclusive, they work hard and they make you want to be at work.”
As our four interns leave MiTek, and head to University, they carry forward a wealth of experience that will help inform their future in construction. Their time at MiTek has been more than just gaining professional experience – they have also forged lifelong connections, embraced challenges head-on and pushed the boundaries of their learning.
Simon Connor, responsible for heading up the MiTek internship programme in the UK commented:
“During their time at MiTek, Poppy, Eve, Rohan, and Ajibola have taken on a range of industry-specific tasks – from facing design challenges in PAMIR, to on-site visits and seeing the inner workings of MiTek, they’ve taken on each task with enthusiasm and integrity, absorbing as much knowledge as possible.
“At MiTek, we’re proud to have played a part in shaping their future and showcasing the diverse range of roles available for a fulfilling career in construction. Developing new talent is exciting, and a key component in addressing the challenges the sector is currently facing.”
MiTek UK is thrilled with the success of the scheme and has recently announced the launch of its second programme, which will commence in October 2024. It will see new interns join the MiTek team from Dudley Institute of Technology. Expressions of interest have already been received from prospective interns, who will be selected from the Institute’s Automation Engineering faculty.
