Women in Construction Week - Employee Stories

Name: Viktoriia Grachova
Position: Trainee Site Engineer
Held Role Since: September 2022

Describe your role.My role was to work with the other engineers and shadow them but when I was confident, I took on more tasks on my own. This helped me develop even quicker. The way that I have seen a project go from the very start to completion has given me a brilliant insight. I learned so much on my work experience placement, including how to set out different packages – from the sub-base to landscaping – and how to use all the different types of equipment.

Advice for people wanting to join Winvic? Everyone at Winvic was extremely welcoming and I quickly felt part of the team. My work experience placement was invaluable and during it I became our HP Site Print expert. In October 2024 I was crowned T-Level Student of the Year at the East Midlands Regional Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, later receiving Highly Commended at the national awards. I wouldn’t have achieved any of this without Winvic, they’ve given me the opportunities, confidence
and encouragement to push myself.

Name: Oliwia Foster
Position: Digital Engineer

Why construction? This may not be the usual answer you get, but I fell in love with construction through playing The Sims and in many ways the CGIs that I create as part of my job could be right out of a computer game! But it was my art teacher who suggested architecture to me, and I did a BTEC in Construction before my degree. What I realised from doing work experience in architects’ practices is that I would likely have to spend months on the same project, sat in an office; therefore, after university I applied for roles
with construction companies, and I wanted to be more hands-on with a project coming to life.

Describe your role. I work with various digital platforms like CAD, Revit, Sketchup and Lumion to create CGI and render snapshots of project progress, which are utilised in client and team presentations, briefings and forward-planning. Looking at a Gantt chart to visualise what a project looks like in week 17 is really difficult; visuals make all the difference. I also create logistics plans for site teams, again visual outputs, which illustrate what’s going on across the site at any given time. Basically, where deliveries of materials will be placed and where the live work packages are being undertaken.

Advice for people wanting to join Winvic? You need to be a motivated person and enjoy learning – the industry is always changing and Winvic are passionate about innovation. More generally, I’d advise people to get as much work experience as possible to really understand the different careers and routes available and where your passion lies.

Describe working at Winvic in 3 words. Exciting, challenging and rewarding.

What attracted you to Winvic? When I researched the company, I saw that Winvic values its employees and encourages them to reach their full potential, whilst enjoying their job roles. I am a very ambitious individual, so it is important to me to have a variety of opportunities and projects to work on; both of which Winvic provides.

Name: Ammara Dassu
Position: Site Engineer

Describe your role. My journey with Winvic began with a Year in Industry placement and after I had completed my degree, I was delighted to be offered a graduate role. As a full-time employee, I have been working at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton and SEGRO Park Coventry, where I have been exposed to a variety of programmes, which has really helped me to continue developing my skills and knowledge. One month before installing 420 metres of 1.65m stormwater drainage, I calculated materials for both the project Design Detail and Aqua Spira’s specifications, noting significant differences. I highlighted cost, carbon, and installation benefits while prioritising safety, and the team worked with BWB and Aqua Spira to update the manufacturer’s Detail, which guided the final installation. Winvic is always keen to reward those who can demonstrate their skills and commitment, and I’ve particularly enjoyed having the responsibility of managing and mentoring an Apprentice and a Year in Industry student. I’ve also been able to share my passion by engaging with college and secondary school students, inspiring them about the world of civils and infrastructure and explaining the construction careers available. I’m also grateful that Winvic has supported me in beginning my ICE Incorporated Engineer Chartership – it’s a company that strives to help everyone be the best that they can be.

Describe working at Winvic in 3 words. Ambitious, exciting, educational

Why Construction? Every day on site is different and being involved in the development of buildings from paper to handover attracted me to the industry. It’s very rewarding.

What attracted you to Winvic? Whilst on my placement year with Winvic I soon realised that everyone here is willing to help and push you to reach your full potential. The different teams I have worked with have all motivated me to learn and grow within the industry and have focused on my development to help me to progress my career.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to join Winvic? Don’t get too worried because everyone is on your side, and they understand you’re learning. There isn’t a single person who doesn’t genuinely want to help me progress – even after two years in my graduate position. Asking questions is how you learn faster and there isn’t such a thing as a stupid question.

See my blog for more insights.

Name: Hatty Dudley-Toole
Position: Trainee Site Engineer
Held Role Since: September 2023
Currently Studying: Level 4 Civil Engineering

Describe Your Role: My role involves understanding and inputting drawings from CAD into my total station to complete setting out for ground workers, completing required surveys using the total station or GPS, creating as-builts of the work once it’s in place, checking levels and completing the necessary QA on Procore. The role is great as the tasks vary on a day-to-day basis. Currently at my site in Rugby, this week, we are installing a 55metre long culvert which will have Filcor Blocks placed on top and either side to bring the ground up to level due to the high-pressure gas main we have running through the site. The 40 sections of culvert are being lifted into place by a crane, and this has been quite exciting to see. I completed the setting out and level check for this task and will be completing the Quality Assessment on the installation. This has been a great thing for me to be involved with within my first year and look forward to my future at Winvic.

Advice for people wanting to join Winvic. If you want a hands-on experience with a great and supportive team, then take the opportunity and enjoy it!