Saad Slimani

Said the following about Paul Gully:

“Although Paul has been on the Costain Graduate Scheme for less than a year he has proven himself to be an integral member of the Costain Skanska Joint Venture team. His work over the last 11 months has made him an obvious choice for the Graduate of the Year award. Since joining the team Paul has demonstrated enthusiasm and ability in driving innovation, consistent high quality and the target zero safety initiative.

Paul has worked on two aspects on the Crossrail C360 project. The first involved building new pitches for Gypsy & Traveller families. This was part of the enabling works for the construction of a Crossrail ventilation shaft. During this phase Paul managed and delivered works across many different disciplines including utilities management, groundworks and masonry. In addition to nurturing his technical and problem solving capabilities, the project team has been able to rely on his impressive interpersonal skills when liaising with the resident community to ensure that potential problems and risks were dealt with immediately. After successfully completing and handing over the residential site to the client, Paul moved to Mile End Park shaft, an intervention and access shaft equally crucial to the Crossrail project.

Paul’s manager commented: “During the completion of the RC works there were several changes to design and as-built installation issues that required quick and clever solutions. Instead of allowing works to stop and waiting for the design to be altered, Paul worked with the subcontractor and client to come up with a proposal to allow works to continue. He then presented this design to the client’s design team, who approved it, saving at least a couple of weeks on an already tight programme. This is just one example of how Paul’s work ethic, engineering intelligence and personable manner have been essential ingredients to the successful delivery of the works at Mile End.”

While managing his workload as Site Engineer on the reinforced concrete, lift installation and staircase packages, Paul mentors two apprentice and two student engineers. As a mentor he has provided clear guidance and taught the young engineers to understand the key ‘engineering first’ principles. As well as being an approachable advisor, he is proactive in answering questions and demonstrating safe methods of working.

Through extenuating circumstances, Paul has had to manage the site team, reporting directly to the Project Manager. His maturity coupled with the respect of his colleagues has meant that this is a role that he performs with confidence and competence. Paul is continuing to take on responsibilities far beyond those expected of him and his increased responsibilities are a testament to his character and the trust that senior management place in him.

In addition to this Paul does not limit himself to purely engineering matters but contributes to the team and the company overall. Earlier in the year Paul took it upon himself to organise a charity comedy evening to raise money for the Costain 150 challenge (which donates to the British Heart Foundation, Macmillan, Samaritans and the Princes Trust.) He worked with a local comedy club to work out an arrangement to raise money for the charities as well as support a local business. He then promoted the event and sold tickets as well as ensuring the event ran smoothly offstage on the evening. Not only did the event raise much appreciated money for charity but it was a great evening for team bonding on the project.“