Kicking Off a Bright Future: Ed O’Dell’s Summer Placement at CBUL

During the internship, Ed rotated through several departments to achieve two main goals: to gain a detailed understanding of the wastewater industry and bolster his technical skills through direct, practical experience which would support his academic studies. The departments included Plant & Transport, Pollutions, and Planned Works, where he contributed to various projects and gained valuable hands-on experience.
We caught up with Ed to talk all about his journey, the skills he developed, and his insights into the different aspects of our business.

Plant & Transport

As a key part of the Plant & Transport team, Ed was primarily responsible for coordinating the relocation of vehicles to and from wastewater treatment yards and workshops for repairs and inspections.

Ed shared, “This role involved a significant amount of administrative work, such as categorising invoices for vehicle maintenance and plant assets and using company software to ensure compliance.”

Additionally, Ed was tasked with analysing maintenance reports and compiling them into spreadsheets for easier readability.

Another key responsibility for Ed was maintaining and integrating gas monitors into the company’s operations. These monitors are crucial for worker safety, as they help protect against hazardous gases encountered during essential tasks.

Ed explained, “Connecting the gas monitors to the grid network was essential for providing real-time updates and directing workers away from risks remotely.”

He travelled to various sites across Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent to achieve this networking capability and to set up devices for new starters. His work in the Plant & Transport team significantly enhanced his practical skills in data management, logistics, and health and safety equipment used in the industry.

Pollutions

The Pollutions team offered Ed practical insights into the environmental issues caused by sewage spills into natural reserves. During his time with the team, he learned a great deal about the communicative efforts required to handle pollution events and the necessity of addressing them swiftly and effectively to minimise their impact on the environment.

Ed said, “I gained a deeper understanding of how crucial it is to manage these situations promptly to protect our surroundings.”

A significant part of his role involved ensuring compliance with health and safety risk assessments and capturing evidence using Fyld and Corona software. Working with the Pollutions team helped develop Ed’s communication and teamwork skills while broadening his knowledge of industry health and safety protocols.

Planned Works

Ed has high praise for  the Health & Safety practices at Cappagh Browne.

He reflected: “From the very beginning, I realised the depth of detail that Cappagh Browne puts into Health & Safety. The comprehensive H&S induction on my first day equipped me with knowledge of potential risks and how to mitigate them. Additionally, attending one of the regular stand-down events kept me updated on current projects and developments within the business.”

Further to his induction, alongside the Planned Works team, Ed conducted health and safety audits and site checks for various projects across the South, including the £8.5M Cinque Ports project, for which he also handled documentation.

“Attending site visits gave me a firsthand look at the real progress of the projects and how effectively the work was being carried out.”

Ed reviewed method statements, risk assessments, and construction phase plans from subcontractors for upcoming projects, providing feedback on their content. This hands-on experience allowed him to strengthen his skills in risk assessment and identification, contributing to continuous improvement and compliance assurance.

Beyond the Internship

During his internship at Cappagh Browne, Ed gained a comprehensive understanding of the wastewater industry, explored various facets of the business, and observed how different departments coordinate to serve the community through essential works. This experience has provided him with valuable insights into the field and significantly impacted his university studies.

Ed expressed his gratitude, saying, “I would like to extend a massive thank you to Matt Reid and Aves Bellamy for their continued guidance and support in the Plant & Transport team, Andy Folkard for his assistance in the Pollutions team, and Darren Wetherell and Carys Hartigan for their direction in Planned Works. I must also thank Joe Hopkins and Jeff Birtwhistle for arranging my internship and giving me the opportunity to learn and share my experiences with Cappagh Browne.”

Work experience is invaluable in bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application, providing essential insights and skills that shape future careers. Cappagh Browne is thrilled to have welcomed Ed to the team, and proud to champion the next generation of professionals, supporting their growth and development every step of the way.