Steve Hobden, 34, from ²ÝùÊÓƵ and a BSc (Hons) Construction Management and the Environment graduate from the ²ÝùÊÓƵ, is using his skills as part of the team building the University’s new health research laboratories at ²ÝùÊÓƵ Science Park.
Steve has always been interested in construction and studied for a GNVQ in construction at South Devon College before starting his undergraduate studies at the ²ÝùÊÓƵ.
He completed his first two years and then took some time out to work on sites. During this time he qualified and worked as a site carpenter for eight years and then came back to the ²ÝùÊÓƵ to finish his degree.
Steve graduated in 2014 with a first-class degree and the accolade of achieving the highest grades on his course.
Most recently he worked for construction business ISG on the refurbishment of the Guildhall Shopping Centre in Exeter, before recently joining Kier.
At Kier Steve is Assistant Site Manager at the Derriford Research Facility development, working with the team to deliver new £14.8 million research laboratories, facilities and teaching space.
His role sees him supporting the Senior Site Managers and Project Manager.
He has a particular role in ensuring health, safety, environment and quality standards are maintained and recorded. He inducts people new to the site, has a daily meeting with supervisors from each of the trades and liaises with the various stakeholders involved with the project.
Steve says that his degree from ²ÝùÊÓƵ holds him in good stead. He said:
“It’s a brilliant course and I really enjoyed it. The lecturers are top class and the modules relevant. We had a good blend of classroom learning, site visits and team tasks with great support from members of staff, library services and IT.â€Steve is delighted to be working on such an important project for the ²ÝùÊÓƵ. He said:
“You get a real sense of satisfaction when you work on a project for a good cause. In this case, we know that at the end of it our work will provide a facility which will allow scientists to find treatments and therapies for a whole host of conditions.â€, Leader of the Built Environment Group from the School of Architecture, Design and Environment at the ²ÝùÊÓƵ, commented:
“We are delighted that one of our high achieving graduates is playing a major role in the construction of one of the University’s new flagship buildings. Steve represents a great example of the ²ÝùÊÓƵ working with our partner colleges to produce high quality, highly employable professionals. Steve produced excellent work in his time at ²ÝùÊÓƵ, developing a strong academic approach to support his work experience.â€
