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Student Q & As

Q: What projects will I be involved in?
A: There will be an opportunity to get involved with a wide range of projects across different sectors, including commercial and industrial, water and wastewater, ports, harbours and marine and transport. This offers an opportunity to get an insight into different areas of planning and working with a range of different clients such as Associated British Ports and Thames Water.

Previous students have been a part of London Gateway Logistics Park, having the opportunity to take part in producing the new Development Consent Order which involves tasks such as, client communications, reviewing documents, site visits and attending weekly project meetings with the client.

Students have also been able to take a role in the project team for a new proposed pipeline, MoD Wellesley. This involved a site visit, reviewing policy, writing planning statements and ensuring the project had engagement with the community, before assisting with submitting an application to the planning portal. As well as notifying landowners and the surrounding community.

Other examples include East West Rail where they have had the opportunity to work within the project team and have the responsibility of undertaking weekly tasks and using GIS software to log new information with the proposed route.

In previous years students have been a part of the project team for North London Heat and Power Project (NLHPP), where students have the opportunity to get involved in reviewing documents and drawings, going to client meetings as well as chances to get out on site to see the project first hand.

Last year students where a part of the project team for the relocation of a Grade II listed Chimney which was located at Beckton Sewage Treatment Works. This involved working closely with colleges to prepare application documents as well as reviewing information before complying the application for the planning portal.

Students have also been involved with the London Water Recycling team on behalf of Thames Water. This has involved monitoring new planning applications, reviewing documentation and policy as well as writing site appraisals. Students also had the opportunity to get involved with the oversight of the consultation as well as other schemes which interrelated.

Q: What is the work culture like at Adams Hendry?
A:Adams Hendry provides a friendly and supportive work environment with the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge whilst working on interesting and varied projects. There is very much the feeling of being part of a team working together to achieve shared goals. Adams Hendry’s high staff retention rate allows the staff to grow and support each other.

Q: How will I be supported as a placement student?
A:Placement students will have monthly meetings with their mentors every month to discuss the progress they are making, any issue or problems that they have and if there are any projects / areas they would like to gain more experience in. The meeting also provides an opportunity for students to gain value feedback from their mentor and other members of staff on their progress, quality of work and areas of improvement.

Q: What is the workload like?
A:Over the first few weeks you will undertake training and moving on you will slowly be introduced into a variety of project teams. There will be opportunities to get involved with projects that interest you, but you won’t be overloaded with work as this will be monitored as part of the placement.

Q: What will be expected of me?
A:To have a positive and enthusiastic attitude to getting involved with a variety of work. To pay close attention to tasks and take on more responsibilities as your time progresses.

Q: How does this align with my university degree?
A:You will be supported to succeed in your year at university while on placement. Directors and mentors will be in communication with lectures, depending on your university requirements. Support will also be available for when you undertake your assessments throughout the year.

Q: What is it like living in Winchester?
A:Winchester is a picturesque city with a great variety of local hospitability venues set in a medieval university city, with only a 1hour train ride to London Waterloo. The office is located a 5min walk to the station giving you flexibility to live in a range of local areas.

Q: Is there an opportunity to come back as a graduate, what is the graduate experience like?
A:You have a chance to work in a variety of sectors broadening your skill set. Due to the size of the company, it is a very supportive environment for professional development. There are a number of staff who have joined Adams Hendry as graduates after having been here on a placement.

Q: How does the office get involved with the local community?
A:Adams Hendry support a variety of local charities and get involved with local events such as fun runs and regularly donate to charities in the area and sponsor events, as well we having a charity of the year.

Hear from some of our recent starters:

“Since starting at Adams Hendry I have felt well supported by everyone in the office, everyone has been happy to answer any questions I have. I have really valued and benefited from my monthly meetings with my mentor, especially having the opportunity to discuss work I have completed and hearing feedback, this has particularly enabled me to develop professionally. I have really enjoyed the variety of projects I have been involved in since starting in September.”
Georgie, Placement student 2023-24

“Adams Hendry has given me the opportunity to learn more about the industry across a variety of sectors, with ongoing support from colleges and mentors. It has been a positive learning environment to undertake my placement year and I look forward to see what the rest of the year ahead brings”
Ella, Placement student 2023-24

“Since starting my role as a graduate with the company I have been mentored to develop a wide variety of skills in a safe, supportive and personal development focused environment. Adams Hendry stands alone as a unique blend of small business client relationships with the professional reputation of a business much larger. The broad ranging nature of the projects I have been able to be a part of have given me an eclectic mix of experience and skills that I believe will help to continue to progress my personal and professional development.”
Henry, Graduate 2023