Catch up with Michael

After catching up with Luke Hunma we now hear from Michael Eager, our second Graduate Design Engineer recruited over 18 months ago. We catch up on Michael's progress and find out what have been his challenges and main learning curves plus his advice to any graduate hoping to enter into the world of Scaffold Design.  What knowledge did you have of Scaffold Design before you started the 48.3 Graduate Training Scheme?

I worked for 2 years with a large scaffolding contractor where I spent a year on the tools getting an understanding of how different types of scaffold are erected before moving in to the office where I spent a year as design engineer improving my skills on AutoCAD and beginning to learn how to analyse scaffolding structurally. How do you feel your knowledge has developed during your time at 48.3? My speed and skill of drawing using AutoCAD has been my biggest improvement. I also have a greater understanding of, and ability to analyse, the structure of a scaffold.

What have been the main learning curves for you?

The attention to detail.  The importance of a clear and concise design that leaves no ambiguity has really been drilled into us since the day we started. How do you feel your customer service skills have developed? Communication in all areas of my work life have improved. Whether it is something as simple the confirmation of deadlines, or calling to confirm that your client is happy with the design you have issued. As I have worked at 48.3 it has become clear that good communication, and a pro-active attitude, will always highlight an issue before it becomes a problem.

How do you incorporate the 48.3 values, vision and mission into your everyday work? Being a part of the 48.3 team, I am always being challenged to continuously improve my work in every area. Before working at 48.3 I would shy away from my weak areas and focus on what I was good at thinking this would prove the most successful course.  I have learned that your weakest area sets the height at which you can use all your other skills and abilities. This understanding transfers far outside of work. How do you enjoy working in the team and being part of an evolving young company? Since I started, the company has completely changed. As employees we have been encouraged to take an interest in how the company is run, and speak up when we have an idea that we think might improve the company.  Over the last 18 months we have been implementing new systems and processes. Some have been continued and some have been disregarded. These changes that we have all been a part of, and had a say in, make you feel like you’re not just an employee, but an integral part of the company. So much of what I have learned while working here has improved different parts of my life. What has been the most challenging project to date and what were the key points you learnt? My first large project was a job at Bush House (the Grade II listed former BBC World Service building between Aldwych & Strand) for TRAD Scaffolding, and it was a real learning curve. Everything from breaking down drawings so that you have exactly what you need, to document control, ensuring that the operatives have the latest revisions of drawings. It was the first job to really highlight the ‘6 Ps’, Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. Working alongside Ben (48.3 M.D.), I was able take this daunting task and break it down into manageable sections dealing with it one step at a time, constantly moving forward. 

What would be the one piece of advice you would give any graduate hoping to enter into the world of Scaffold Design?

Set goals. Set your target, work out what you need to do to achieve it, and start.  Don’t make excuses and make sure you keep moving forward with it every single day, even if it’s just a half hour each day, constantly seek improvement.

Gavin Dempsey, 48.3 Director added, "Michael has been an excellent addition to the team at 48.3. He has the insight and ability required to be a successful engineer. He is committed to the 48.3 ethos and his constant drive to improve means that his talent will allow him to reach the top of the scaffold design industry”.