From your first steps to large-scale projects

Why don’t you introduce yourself briefly: Who are you and what exactly are you currently doing at SuedLink?

David: I’m David and I’m currently working as a site manager at STRABAG for SuedLink – TransnetBW’s high-voltage direct current transmission project – in the field of enclosed construction methods. In Construction Lot 8, I oversee the microtunnelling and jacking works on a section approximately 70 kilometres long in the Würzburg region. My role is very varied: I coordinate and supervise operations on site, liaise with subcontractors and oversee our own earthworks activities. At the same time, it’s also about keeping track of everything at all times and finding suitable solutions quickly when challenges arise.

You completed your training as a draughtsman – and did so at STRABAG, no less. Why did you decide to go down that path back then?

David: My interest in building sites actually started quite early on. Even as a child, I found it fascinating to see how people worked there and how something was created in the end. Later on, I did an internship and found out more about various careers. At school back then, the role of technical draughtsman was one of the careers presented – and it was precisely this mix of technology, planning and the building site that appealed to me straight away.

After completing your apprenticeship, you initially worked as a payroll clerk. How did that come about, and what did you take away from that time?

David: I was offered the job as a payroll clerk back then, and looking back, it was really helpful for my future career. It helped me understand how many processes on a building site are interlinked and how important the interplay between technical and commercial aspects is.

My site manager at the time gave me a lot of support and gradually entrusted me with more and more responsibility. That’s how I gradually grew into the role of site manager. Of course, many aspects were new to me at first, but that’s exactly what I found exciting.

One moment in particular has stayed with me to this day: when my first construction site was fully completed and successfully settled.

Has there been a moment or an experience along your journey so far that has had a particularly profound impact on you personally or changed you?

David: Yes, definitely a project at Munich Airport. The moment when the aeroplanes later taxied across the apron we’d built was a real highlight for me...It really makes you realise what goes into your work and the contribution you’re making. For me, that was further clear confirmation that I’d chosen exactly the right career.

What ultimately made you decide to study for the technician qualification full-time?

David: It became clear to me quite early on that I wanted to develop both professionally and personally, and take on more responsibility in the long term – both at an organisational level and out on the building site. That’s why I decided to study for the technician qualification full-time.

At the same time, I also completed the road construction foreman qualification, which, above all, allowed me to consolidate a lot of practical knowledge. It’s precisely this combination of theory and practice that has been so beneficial to me so far and has broadened my understanding of the processes on site. I’ve also obtained my training instructor’s certificate.

What was it like making the transition back from school and theory to a real construction site – now with significantly more responsibility?

David: At first, it did feel a bit strange going back to school after having been right in the thick of day-to-day work. But looking back, it was definitely the right decision. Getting back out onto the building site afterwards felt really good, because I was able to put a lot of what I’d learnt on the training course into practice straight away. And of course, it’s fun to take on responsibility and drive projects forward as a team.

When you look back on your journey so far, which personal quality has helped you the most in your personal development?

David: I think, above all, my curiosity about new topics and my willingness to take on challenges. It also helps, of course, to stay calm even in stressful situations and to think in a solution-oriented way. At the same time, I’ve always had the opportunity to develop my professional skills and take new steps forward. I was also supported in this by my line management – including during my time as a technician. That has definitely shaped my career so far.

What is it that makes installation work on a major project so exciting for you right now – and perhaps also different from what many people think?

David: Above all, it’s the scale and the wide variety of different tasks that make working on a major project particularly exciting for me. Being part of an infrastructure project at SuedLink that plays a key role in Germany’s energy transition is a unique experience. As the transmission system operator for Baden-Württemberg, TransnetBW is using SuedLink to drive forward the expansion of a key electricity link that supports the integration of renewable energy and ensures security of supply for millions of people.

I’ve previously worked on major motorway and airport projects, where I gained a wealth of fascinating insights. However, due to its scale and the specific technical implementation involved, SuedLink presents a whole new set of challenges.

A project like SuedLink is, of course, on a completely different scale. What distinguishes such large-scale projects from ‘normal’ construction sites?

David: The basic processes are often similar – the big difference lies in the scale and complexity. Many different trades work together simultaneously and everything has to be well co-ordinated.

Added to this is the close collaboration between many departments – from procurement to invoicing. At the same time, environmental protection also plays a major role and influences many decisions throughout the project.
As a result, on such projects you often have to think several steps ahead, react flexibly to new situations and still maintain an overview at all times.

How do you actually keep track of things on such a huge project – especially out on the building site day in, day out?

David: Clear processes and good communication are crucial for this. We hold regular team meetings to coordinate, discuss the next steps and clearly allocate tasks. Especially on a project of this scale, it’s important that everyone knows what’s required. It also helps, of course, to have a well-coordinated team that can rely on one another.

Why is a career in construction still worthwhile – and what advice would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar path to yours?

David: Because the job is incredibly varied. No two days are the same , and you’re constantly learning new things. At the same time, at the end of the day you can see exactly what you’ve created together – and it’s precisely this tangible result that makes working in construction so exciting.

My advice would therefore be: stay curious, take on responsibility and gain as much practical experience as possible. You learn an awful lot on a building site that will stand you in good stead for your future career.

Thank you very much for the fascinating insights into your career path, David. We wish you all the best for the future!