Installations of wind energy infrastructure were up 50% last year compared to 2022, making it a record year for the industry globally.
Some 117GW of new capacity was installed in 54 countries, according to analysis by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). Gathering momentum in offshore wind and promising outlooks in developing countries mean the organisation has revised its 2024-2030 growth forecast upwards by around 10%.
However, the GWEC said that policymakers and industry need to unlock more growth to stay on the net-zero pathway.
“Growth is highly concentrated in a few big countries like China, the US, Brazil and Germany, and we need many more countries to remove barriers and improve market frameworks to scale up wind installations,” said GWEC CEO Ben Backwell.
You made it to the interview stage- Congratulations!
But now comes the all-important interview preparation. As well as making sure that you have done your research on the company interviewing you, it is important that you also ensure you are prepared to answer competencies-based questions.
So, what are competencies………? Competencies are the skills, experiences, behaviours and knowledge you’ll bring into the role. They will have been acquired from previous job roles.
Competencies-based interviews are the most widely used interview techniques where hiring managers will use open ended questions to ask you about previous genuine scenarios where you have demonstrated the use of your competencies.
Below are a few examples of the most asked questions:
Communication skills
Delivering at pace
Making effective decisions
Collaborating and partnering
Leading and communicating
Building capability for all
Strategic thinking
Teamwork
Changing and improving
Organisational skills
Working under pressure
Attention to detail
Handling a difficult decision or situation
Adaptability
Delivering value for money
Resilience
Integrity
Taking control of a situation
Problem solving
Stakeholder management
One of the most widely used competencies-based interview technique used is STAR.
Situation: Describe the background or context.
Task: Describe the task or challenge you were faced with.
Action: Explain the action you took, and how and why you did it.
Result: Describe how it ended, what you accomplished and what you learned from the situation. Relate the skill or ability you’re illustrating back to the vacancy you’re applying for and explain why it’s useful.
The use of the STAR technique will provide employers with evidence of your competencies and strengths. When practising your STAR interview answers, don’t spend too long describing the situation or task – trim any details that are unnecessary. The action you took is the most important part of your answer and should show how effective you were by giving good examples.
Practice with a friend or family member but don’t overdo it as answers that are too well rehearsed can sound robotic.
Good luck!
If you are reading this blog article and you are at the beginning of your job-hunting journey, you may want to read out CV writing blog article.
You may also want to check a selection of our current vacancies by following this link.
And finally…. if you have a any questions or would like to speak to one of our consultants, email us or connect with us on LinkedIn.
An uncertain economic forecast is leading some companies to hold off on recruiting more staff and focus on keeping their existing employees. Despite this, overall job vacancies still remain above levels seen before the pandemic. The construction sector is generally speaking buoyant and plenty of opportunities are out there for top performing employees.
So, what can you do to keep motivated whilst looking for your next role?
Stay Positive
I chose to mention this first of all as it feels the most important but also the toughest at times. Its easy to feel discouraged when you don’t hear back from an employer or if your application is rejected.
To keep a positive outlook, remember it won’t always be like this. Things change eventually.
Set realistic goals
Setting achievable goals is an essential part of staying motivated during a job search. For example, instead of setting out to apply to 20 jobs in one day, go for quality rather than quantity. By breaking down your job search into smaller and specific goals you are more likely to accomplish each one which will in turn give you a sense of accomplishment and help keep you motivated.
Stay organised
As well as the obvious – having an up-to-date CV and professional profile, staying organised can help you stay motivated and focused during your job search. Keep track of your applications, interviews, and follow-up emails in a spreadsheet or document. This will help you stay on top of your job search and make it easier to follow up with potential employers as well as avoids applying for roles twice!
Network and connect with people
Networking is an important part of any job search. Connect with people in your industry or profession through LinkedIn, industry events, or other networking opportunities. This can help you learn about new job opportunities and make Personal connections can often lead to valuable job leads and referrals.
Try out new job boards, explore Slack communities, and connect with hiring managers on Twitter as well as people in your industry and identify potential job openings.
Learn new skills
Learning new skills can help you stay motivated and improve your chances of finding a job. Take online courses, attend workshops, or read industry publications to stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in your field.
Request constructive feedback
This may feel awkward if you have just been rejected but constructive feedback may give you an insight into where you may be going wrong or simply point out areas which may need improvement.
Keep going
Staying persistent is key to finding a job. Keep applying for jobs, following up with employers, and networking. Even if you don’t hear back from an employer or get rejected for a job, don’t give up. Stay persistent, and you will eventually find the right job.
Self-care, taking breaks and celebrating small victories
Looking for work is not for the faint hearted, but in order to stay strong and keep going you have to care for yourself, this means doing small things which bring you joy, or you find relaxing, taking regular breaks, keep moving and celebrate the small victories along the way.
And remember it won’t always be like this. Things change eventually.
If you are a civil engineering or construction professional looking for the next step in your career, we currently have an interesting selection of roles available.
This shift from the automatic legal right to connect surface water drainage to nearby sewage infrastructure poses unique challenges for civil engineers.
SuDS need to be part of the design
SuDS are not mere add-ons to the build plan.
They demand careful consideration, significantly shaping the fundamental design of developments.
As leading developers proactively adapt to upcoming SuDS requirements, civil engineers play a central role in navigating these changes.
SuDS are designed to minimise the built environment’s impact on the natural water cycle and prevent flooding by managing surface water runoff.
They present a paradigm shift.
Engineered SuDS solutions have become common.
These are solutions like permeable paving and geocellular attenuation tanks, known for being easy to install and cost-effective.
However, a shift towards a holistic and landscaped SuDS approach is gaining traction.
Engineered vs landscaped SuDS
Engineered SuDS efficiently manage water runoff quantity and can support a holistic approach to water quality management.
Landscaped SuDS, incorporating green roofs, rain gardens, tree pits, swales (shallow drainage channels), and constructed wetlands, extend beyond managing water quantity.
They contribute to water quality improvement, enhance amenity spaces, and create habitats for biodiversity.
However, the challenge lies in their limited ability to handle significant rainfall levels.
This prompts a need to combine engineered and landscaped SuDS for enhanced water circularity benefits.
Civil engineers must reassess SuDS strategies to achieve a balanced integration and create more habitable spaces and future-proof developments.
The four pillars of sustainable drainage
There are four pillars to SuDS:
water quantity
water quality
creation of amenities
creation of habitats for biodiversity
These pillars guide engineers in aligning their strategies with evolving expectations and potential future regulations.
Buyer preferences are increasingly influenced by these pillars, reflecting concerns about flooding risks, water quality, the importance of green spaces, and the need for sustainable environments.
Article written by Martin Lambley -Institute of Civil Engineers
Celebrated week of the 5th February – 11th February 2024
Race Equality Week is a UK campaign that asks its participants to address barriers to race equality in the workplace. The campaign invites organisations and individuals to take part in anti-racist activities such as raising awareness, engaging senior leaders in the importance of anti-racist work cultures and sharing activities throughout the week.
Many employees will experience this type of bullying and harassment but will choose not to report this behaviour because they do not believe they would be taken seriously, or fear reporting would impact their career or workplace relationships.
Research also suggests that institutional racism impacts performance assessments, disciplinary procedures, who is subject to scrutiny, who is denied promotions and development opportunities. It is important to call out racism to prevent it from
There are many ways to commemorate Race Equality Week at work, including:
At Intersect Global we are involved in promoting and improving fairness, inclusion and respect in the workplace in the Civil Engineering, IT, Energy and Construction sectors. We encourage positive attitudes to diversity and inclusion, and this includes race equality.
To read out our fairness, inclusion and diversity statement, click here
Looking for your next job opportunity or for help to fill a role; then head over to our Job Board or to our contact page.
It’s hard to come back to work after the longest break you’ve had all year. The few days between the last working day before Christmas and New Year’s Day often pass in a blur, and it can feel impossible to return to work with enthusiasm and determination right after the holiday fun; your body and mind likely aren’t going to give 100%. But don’t be too hard on yourself! The key is to take it one step at a time.
Here are some tips you can follow to get back on top of your game without causing further exhaustion after the holidays.
1. Take it light
This is the moment when most of us make a list of resolutions for the new year. While it’s nice to start fresh and work on your goals, you can also take this time to reflect on the last year and make realistic decisions. The best thing to do is to go easy with your New Year’s resolutions. Research has shown that almost 23% of people quit their resolutions by the end of the first week, so don’t just load your list with a bunch of plans. Instead, pick one goal for every month and work towards achieving it.
2. Less planning and more action
One of the biggest mistakes people tend to make is planning a lot at the beginning of the year and getting lost in a sea of action items. This overwhelming feeling can be avoided by taking one step at a time without planning the entire course. As Brian Tracy notes in his book Eat That Frog!, when you have an ultimate goal, breaking the tasks down into simple goals helps you concentrate and provides better results. This also ensures you always stay on top of your goals without putting too much pressure on yourself.
3. Indulge in holiday delights
Holiday treats aren’t just for the holidays. Sometimes, it’s okay to indulge in activities you usually do during your time off—like grabbing a cup of hot chocolate or baking a batch of brownies—just to remind yourself that not all fun is lost once the holidays are over.
4. Try to establish a work-life balance
It doesn’t always need to be about work once you step into a new year. A Frontiers Psychology study found that proper work-life balance improves job performance by enhancing job-related satisfaction. This implies that for greater overall success, your number one priority should be to find a balance between your work schedule and your personal life. As the old adage goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” so try to strike an equilibrium. Take sufficient breaks, go on a walk when you feel overwhelmed, and plan your time off to avoid burnout and improve your quality of life.
5. Do something you’ve never done before
New experiences always fuel the soul. To make this upcoming year more entertaining, find things that interest you and channel your energy towards them. In the process of learning or doing something new, you will end up rediscovering yourself without the concerted effort.
While getting back to work can be daunting, you can still make the best of your days ahead with simple yet fulfilling activities.
Article by Sheryl for https://www.zoho.com/blog/cliq/5-tips-to-revitalize-after-your-holiday-break
Infrastructure contractor M Group Services has acquired decarbonisation and energy efficiency specialist AgilityEco.
Andrew Findlay, M Group Services Chief Executive, said: “The acquisition of AgilityEco represents an extension of our capabilities to deliver essential services to our existing energy and local authority clients.
“These services enable our clients to meet their regulatory obligations and support the delivery of their ambitious decarbonisation agendas.
“Acquisitions with adjacent capabilities serving existing clients are a fundamental part of our continuing growth strategy and we are delighted to further enhance our Group capabilities with the acquisition of AgilityEco.”
Sharon Johnson, Managing Director of AgilityEco, said: “We are excited to be joining the M Group Services Energy Division, which represents a great opportunity for our people, our clients and our partners.
“Being part of M Group Services provides access to complementary capabilities and enhances our ability to provide a differentiated offering for our clients and partners. This strengthens our platform for growth, and as a purpose-driven organisation, it ultimately enables us to support more vulnerable families living in fuel poverty and to prepare Britain’s homes for Net Zero.”
Simon Best, Managing Director of M Group Services Energy Division, added: “We are delighted to welcome Sharon Johnson and her team to M Group Services. AgilityEco has established a leading position in the market over the last decade and brings a strong set of adjacent capabilities to our Group, which we are excited to provide to our clients. We look forward to supporting the delivery of AgilityEco’s ambitious growth plan in the coming years.”
Article by Grant Prior – www.constructionenquirer.com
January is always a busy month for recruiters. Career changes are one of the most common New Years’ resolutions people make, and with Blue Monday on the horizon and year-end bonuses in their back pockets signals the time when candidates are ready to make a move.
And it’s not just about candidates, either. Come January, clients may have completed their yearly budget, they know exactly how much cash they have to budget with where recruitment is concerned and will be keen to start recruiting again to achieve their set resourcing plans and set in motion their company’s yearly goals and objectives.
So, what can you do to be ready to hit the job market in January and ensure your CV makes it to the top of the pile?
Your CV and cover letter are up to date, read well and are tailored to each role you are applying for, see our CV writing blog for some CV writing tips
You have a professional online presence; you follow companies you want to work with/are interested in.
You continue to develop your work knowledge and training.
Approach us and discuss opportunities we may have.
January gives you a chance to get ahead of the curve and we’ll certainly be on the lookout for January’s job market statistics when they are released on January the 16th 2024.
When considering using a recruiter to help you find your next job the first thing to do is to ensure the recruiter you select is industry specific. Once you have selected them, ensure they follow a code of conduct, uphold employment law, GDPR and ensure a quality process.
You may also want to check out the recruitment companies’ website and specifically look at their policies, terms and general ethos, it is also a good idea to check them out on LinkedIn.
If we happen to be the company you decide to select for your next job, you can find all this information on our website and you can also check us out on LinkedIn.
Still not sure about contacting us for your next career move? Here are 5 reasons why you should:
1. Our recruitment consultants have over 20 years’ experience in providing skilled permanent and freelance technical and managerial personnel to market leading regional contractors as well as national and multi-national blue-chip clients, and we are preferred suppliers to a number of the most desirable employers in the industry.
2. We have a wide network of clients we have worked with for years and are able to navigate a competitive job markets in the Civil Engineering, IT, Construction and Energy sectors.
3. We have inside information of where the next jobs are coming from. Intersect Global Ltd has a number of repeat business clients, some of whom may be a good match for you. If you’d like to be kept in the loop, you can sign up for Job Alerts on our site (scroll down past the initial list of jobs).
4. As seasoned recruiters, we know our clients and their interview styles, so we are best placed be able to offer you tips and advice on how to approach your interview. We will also chase feedback for you and aim to get as much detail as possible. Even if you are unsuccessful, we are on hand to offer advice on how to develop your interviewing skills and maximise your opportunity of landing the job.
5. We are on your side, and we want to get the best deal we can for you. Intersect Global Ltd will fight your corner and negotiate with your future employer, ensuring that you accept an offer with no reservations and no regrets.
We currently have a great selection of job opportunities in the Southeast, head over to our Job Board to find out more.
Our experienced consultants can also be contacted via our site or alternatively connect with us on LinkedIn.
Did you find this blog article useful? Then head over to our blog page for our other articles.
