Trainee around the world: Martin in Abu Dhabi
A trainee program with real practical experience, international assignments and plenty of development opportunities: that's exactly what Martin was looking for. In this interview, he explains why he chose STRABAG, how his path took him all the way to Abu Dhabi and what experience he gained along the way.
What brought you to STRABAG and why did you choose the trainee program at STRABAG?
Martin: I completed my master's degree in structural engineering and already gained experience in digitalization and modular construction. I was particularly fascinated by bridge construction during my studies and I really wanted to delve further into this area.
When I saw the job advertisement for the trainee program, I immediately knew it was a perfect fit! Not only did I want to get to know different aspects of bridge construction, I also wanted to be directly on the construction site. I was particularly impressed by the fact that I could choose my own target position, and it was clear to me from the outset that I wanted to work in construction management. The opportunity to gain international experience also made the program particularly attractive to me.
Exciting, more on that in a moment! Let's start at the beginning: How did your trainee program go?
Martin: My trainee program was a mixture of construction management, tender processing and other specialist areas – exactly the variety I was looking for. I was able to design my program flexibly and got to know many areas, from work preparation to LEAN and controlling. At the Central Technical Division in Stuttgart, I worked on tender costing before moving on to my first construction site in Hamburg, the K20, one of the longest highway bridges in Germany.
I spent six weeks there in construction management and took on typical tasks, such as progress and quality control. One particular highlight: together with two working students, I planned a reinforced concrete foundation and also built it myself, from procuring materials to shuttering and reinforcing to concreting. This gave me a real feel for how much time and effort goes into individual construction processes.
This was followed by exciting positions in purchasing, costing, contract management and other construction sites, including the S13 in Bonn and a large viaduct on the highway A45. One highlight was my assignment abroad in Abu Dhabi. Finally, I worked at STRABAG Innovation & Digitalization (SID) in Cologne on the integration of digital processes in construction projects. The insights into the modern way of working and handling digitalization projects were very valuable for me.
Overall, the mixture of theory and practice helped me to understand the entire process of a construction project even better. And I learned how much trust you get as a trainee at STRABAG.
What has particularly shaped you during your trainee program?
Martin: Above all, the many discussions with my colleagues have helped me progress. I was able to gain valuable insights through direct exchanges at the individual stations and benefit from the knowledge and experience of others. I learned a lot professionally, and also personally, for example through training in negotiation and communication. A particular highlight was my stay abroad, which shaped me both professionally and personally.
Good point! Let's go to Abu Dhabi: to what extent did your actual trainee activities differ from those in your foreign assignment?
Martin: Not really, I also worked in construction management in Abu Dhabi. The big difference was the general conditions: the warmer climate, the international environment and the cultural impressions.
What was exciting was that I was given more responsibility there, especially in work preparation for the construction work. My job was to plan the formwork for the shell construction. I drew up plans and was allowed to coordinate a team of one foreman and ten construction workers. It was a great feeling that my plans were actually implemented and that I was given so much trust and responsibility.
What made a particular impression on you during your trainee program?
Martin: My first day on the big construction site. It was 40 degrees and the heat was on. After half an hour of walking around the site with the site manager, my clothes were completely soaked. And that was in October. But I quickly got used to the conditions.
In addition to the work, the team spirit was also a highlight. We played basketball together every Wednesday evening – a great change of pace. At the weekends, I had time to explore Abu Dhabi and Dubai, visit the desert and beaches and experience the impressive architecture. It was particularly fascinating to see how much is being built everywhere and how modern the cities are.
Your tip for future trainees?
Martin: Take advantage of the opportunities offered by the trainee program at STRABAG: Do what you are interested in and get to know as many areas as possible. Stay curious, ask questions and get knowledge from experienced colleagues. Network with others since the trainee program is the perfect opportunity to get to know the Group and make valuable contacts. Be open to new experiences and ready to learn!
And the journey continues ...
Martin's trainee program has been completed and he recently became a site manager in bridge construction in Düsseldorf.
Thank you, Martin, for the exciting insights and have fun and success in your new position!