How Work Experience at Winvic Led Riley to a Pre-Construction Career

Behind every successful industrial unit, multi-room project, or civils & infrastructure scheme is a dedicated pre-construction team laying the groundwork long before work starts on site. From analysing drawings and coordinating design information to shaping competitive tenders and engaging with clients and supply chain partners, pre-construction professionals play a pivotal role in turning opportunity into reality.

As part of National Careers Week, we sat down with Riley Warner, our Pre-Construction Apprentice, to talk about his journey into the industry, what the role involves day to day, and why an apprenticeship can be such a powerful route into construction.

Describe your role

In simple terms, I support our Pre-Construction Managers during the tender stage of projects.

A typical day might involve checking drawings against specifications, reviewing design details or helping to pull together information for a submission. I work closely with different departments across the business, as well as speaking to subcontractors and clients. Communication is a big part of the job, you need to be comfortable asking questions, clarifying information and working collaboratively.

Describe working at Winvic in three words

Engaging. Rewarding. Challenging.

Every day stretches me in a different way. I’m constantly learning, and that keeps things interesting. It’s rewarding to know that the work I’m doing contributes to such large-scale projects.

Why construction?

Honestly, I never planned on working in construction.

Before coming in for work experience, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I enjoyed maths and problem-solving, but that left me with a lot of possible paths. If anything, I felt a bit lost.

I was given the opportunity to complete two weeks of work experience – one week in estimating and one week in pre-construction. I didn’t know what to expect. But by the end of it, something had clicked.

I really enjoyed being part of the pre-con team. I liked the pace, the variety and the sense that every detail mattered. When the two weeks were over, I was genuinely disappointed at the thought of not coming back. That’s when I realised this could actually be the direction for me.

The construction industry offers so much room for progression, and that was another big factor. There are clear pathways to develop and grow, which makes it feel like a long-term career rather than just a job.

What attracted you to Winvic?

The biggest thing was the opportunity.

After my work experience, I was eager to come back and join the pre-con team properly. The apprenticeship route gave me the structure and support I needed. Being able to work towards a degree while gaining practical workplace experience was a huge box ticked for me.

It felt like the best of both worlds, continuing my education while building real knowledge on live projects.

The culture also played a big part. Doing work experience helped me see what the company was really like day to day. The people were supportive, approachable and genuinely willing to help me learn. That made a lasting impression.

What advice would you give to someone considering working at Winvic?

I’d say put yourself out there and ask about work experience.

What I’ve learned is that everyone starts somewhere. No one expects you to know everything, and everyone at Winvic is really keen to help and support your development. Over the past six months, I’ve learned a huge amount and grown in confidence. I feel much more comfortable getting involved in discussions, sharing ideas and taking on more responsibility.

Taking the time to introduce yourself, show genuine interest and engage with people goes a long way. Making a positive and lasting impression can open doors in the future. You never know where one conversation might lead.