Introduction
This report presents a detailed account of a 12-week work-integrated learning attachment at Mikail Construction, a company specialising in pavement, concrete, levelling, and gardening services, alongside construction equipment hiring, including items such as Bomag road rollers, plate compactors, water pumps, generators, concrete vibrators (poker), tamping rammers, and power trowels. As a student pursuing an Honours degree in Design & Technology (Built Environment), this internship provided practical exposure to the built environment sector, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications in construction and infrastructure development. The report is structured into three main chapters: Chapter 3 offers an in-depth study of paving as a selected aspect of the company’s operations; Chapter 4 examines the impact of the internship on personal and professional development, including weekly activities, skills gained, responsibilities, career influences, correlations with academic learning, and organisational challenges; and Chapter 5 draws conclusions, observations, and recommendations. This structure aligns with reflective practice in work-integrated learning, emphasising critical analysis of experiences (Schon, 1983). The report draws on verified sources to ensure accuracy, aiming to demonstrate the relevance of classroom concepts to industry practices while highlighting areas for improvement in the sector.
Chapter 3: In-Depth Study of Paving
Introduction
This chapter discusses paving as an elected aspect of Mikail Construction’s operations. Paving is a core service offered by the company, involving the installation of durable surfaces for roads, driveways, and landscapes, often integrated with their concrete and levelling expertise. As a student in Design & Technology (Built Environment), selecting paving allows for an exploration of material science, construction techniques, and sustainability considerations, which are fundamental to built environment studies. This analysis covers the nature of paving, tools used, recommended mixes, and procedures, drawing on established industry standards.
Paving
Paving refers to the process of creating a stable, load-bearing surface using materials such as concrete, asphalt, or interlocking blocks, essential for infrastructure in urban and rural settings. In the context of Mikail Construction, paving projects typically focus on residential and small-scale commercial applications, including driveways and garden paths, which enhance accessibility and aesthetics while addressing environmental factors like drainage (Institution of Civil Engineers, 2018). Paving contributes to sustainable built environments by reducing soil erosion and improving water management, aligning with UK guidelines on green infrastructure. However, challenges such as material durability in varying weather conditions must be considered, as poor paving can lead to cracking or subsidence over time.
Tools Used in Paving
Mikail Construction employs a range of specialised tools for paving tasks, many of which are available through their equipment hiring service. Key tools include plate compactors for soil stabilisation, tamping rammers for compacting granular materials, and power trowels for smoothing concrete surfaces. Concrete vibrators (poker type) are used to eliminate air pockets in mixes, ensuring structural integrity, while Bomag road rollers provide heavy compaction for larger areas. Additional equipment like water pumps aids in site preparation by managing excess water, and generators power on-site tools in remote locations. These tools enhance efficiency and safety, as noted in construction best practices, where proper tool selection reduces manual labour risks and improves project outcomes (Health and Safety Executive, 2020). For instance, vibrators are crucial for achieving uniform concrete density, preventing weaknesses in the paved structure.
The Recommended Mixes for Paving
Recommended mixes for paving at Mikail Construction adhere to British Standards, ensuring strength and longevity. For concrete paving, a typical mix ratio is 1:2:4 (cement:sand:aggregate) with a water-cement ratio of 0.45-0.55, suitable for non-structural slabs (British Standards Institution, 2013). This mix provides a compressive strength of approximately 20-25 MPa after 28 days, ideal for pedestrian and light vehicular traffic. Additives such as plasticisers may be incorporated to improve workability, particularly in gardening-integrated projects where aesthetic finishes are required. For block paving, sand bedding mixes with a 1:6 cement-sand ratio are recommended for jointing, promoting stability and weed resistance. These mixes are environmentally considerate, often incorporating recycled aggregates to align with sustainability goals in the built environment (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, 2019). However, variations depend on site-specific factors like soil type and load requirements, requiring on-site testing for optimal results.
Paving Procedures
Paving procedures at Mikail Construction follow a systematic approach to ensure quality and compliance with regulations. The process begins with site assessment and excavation to a depth of 150-300mm, depending on the substrate, followed by sub-base installation using compacted hardcore. For concrete paving, formwork is erected, and the mix is poured, vibrated, and levelled using power trowels. Curing involves covering the surface to prevent rapid drying, typically for 7 days, to achieve full strength (Concrete Society, 2014). In block paving, a sand bed is laid, blocks are placed in patterns, and joints are filled with kiln-dried sand, compacted with plate compactors. Final steps include edge restraints and sealing for weatherproofing. These procedures mitigate risks such as uneven settlement, as emphasised in built environment literature, where procedural adherence is key to durability (Neville, 2011). Throughout, safety measures like personal protective equipment are enforced, reflecting industry standards.
Chapter 4: Impact of the Internship
Introduction
This chapter discusses the impact of the internship, mainly focusing on the skills gained, responsibilities undertaken during the attachment period, the influence on future career plans, and how activities correlated with classroom knowledge, alongside challenges faced. The 12-week attachment at Mikail Construction provided hands-on experience in the built environment, fostering professional growth.
Weekly Activities for 12 Weeks of the Attachment
The internship was structured progressively, building from observation to active participation.
- Week 1: Orientation to company operations, including safety briefings and shadowing paving teams on a driveway project.
- Week 2: Assisted in site preparation, using plate compactors for ground levelling in a gardening levelling task.
- Week 3: Participated in equipment hiring processes, inventorying generators and water pumps for client rentals.
- Week 4: Involved in concrete mixing for a small pavement job, applying recommended mixes under supervision.
- Week 5: Conducted basic site inspections for ongoing concrete projects, noting compliance with procedures.
- Week 6: Helped with tamping rammers and power trowels during a road roller-assisted compaction phase.
- Week 7: Recorded project data, including material usage and timelines, for internal reports.
- Week 8: Engaged in gardening integration, paving paths with block methods to enhance landscape designs.
- Week 9: Assisted in troubleshooting equipment issues, such as vibrator malfunctions, learning maintenance basics.
- Week 10: Led a minor team task on levelling, correlating with design principles from coursework.
- Week 11: Networked with industry professionals during equipment hiring consultations.
- Week 12: Reflected on experiences, contributing to a final project summary and recommendations.
These activities provided a comprehensive overview of operations, with increasing responsibility.
Skills Gained
The internship enhanced technical skills such as operating construction tools (e.g., compactors and vibrators) and understanding material properties, alongside soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving. For example, mastering paving procedures developed precision in built environment applications, while record-keeping improved data management abilities, essential for design and technology roles (Gibbs, 1988).
Attachment Influences on Future Career Plans
The attachment influenced future career plans by reinforcing interest in sustainable construction, potentially leading to roles in civil engineering or project management. Exposure to real-world challenges highlighted the need for further qualifications, such as professional certifications in built environment design.
Internship Leads to Industry Connections
The internship facilitated valuable industry connections, including networking with suppliers and clients during equipment hiring, which could open doors for future employment or collaborations in the built environment sector.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities included site inspections to ensure procedural adherence and record-keeping for project tracking, which built accountability and attention to detail.
The Attachment Activities Were Correlated to the Classroom Knowledge in the Sense That
Activities directly correlated with classroom knowledge; for instance, paving mixes aligned with material science modules, while site procedures reflected structural design principles taught in Design & Technology courses. This integration bridged theory and practice, enhancing understanding of built environment dynamics.
Challenges Faced by the Organization
The company was facing quite a number of challenges, among them were the following: fluctuating material costs due to supply chain disruptions, skilled labour shortages in the construction sector, and compliance with evolving environmental regulations, which impacted project timelines (Construction Industry Training Board, 2021). Additionally, equipment maintenance issues arose from frequent hiring, requiring proactive management.
Chapter 5: Conclusions, Observations, and Recommendations
Introduction
This chapter focuses on key conclusions derived from the attachment experience, general observations of the sector, and recommendations.
Key Conclusions
The internship at Mikail Construction demonstrated the practical application of built environment principles, with paving as a pivotal area highlighting the interplay of design, materials, and execution. Skills gained and responsibilities undertaken fostered professional maturity, while correlations with academic knowledge affirmed the value of work-integrated learning.
General Observations of the Sector
The construction sector, particularly in paving and equipment hiring, faces pressures from sustainability demands and economic volatility. Observations noted a shift towards eco-friendly materials, yet gaps in digital integration persist, affecting efficiency (UK Green Building Council, 2020).
Recommendations
To address challenges, Mikail Construction could invest in staff training programmes to mitigate labour shortages and adopt digital tools for better record-keeping. For the sector, enhanced collaboration with educational institutions would strengthen work-integrated learning, ensuring graduates are industry-ready. Personally, I recommend pursuing advanced modules in sustainable design to build on this experience.
Conclusion
In summary, this work-integrated learning report at Mikail Construction has illuminated the intricacies of paving within the built environment, from tools and procedures to broader internship impacts. The experience has not only honed practical skills and career aspirations but also revealed sectoral challenges, underscoring the need for innovation and education. Ultimately, such attachments are vital for translating theoretical knowledge into professional competence, with implications for sustainable development in the UK construction industry. This reflective process, as advocated by Schon (1983), encourages ongoing critical evaluation in design and technology fields.
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References
- British Standards Institution. (2013) BS 8500-1:2013 Concrete – Complementary British Standard to BS EN 206. BSI.
- Concrete Society. (2014) Good Concrete Guide 8: Concrete Practice. The Concrete Society.
- Construction Industry Training Board. (2021) Construction Skills Network Report 2021. CITB.
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. (2019) Resources and Waste Strategy for England. DEFRA.
- Gibbs, G. (1988) Learning by Doing: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods. Further Education Unit.
- Health and Safety Executive. (2020) The Safe Use of Vehicles on Construction Sites. HSE Books.
- Institution of Civil Engineers. (2018) Green Infrastructure: An Integrated Approach to Land Use. ICE.
- Neville, A.M. (2011) Properties of Concrete. 5th edn. Pearson.
- Schon, D.A. (1983) The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Basic Books.
- UK Green Building Council. (2020) Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition. UKGBC.
