Earlier this year, Maisie John was an Environmental Management student at Swansea University. Today, she’s helping deliver one of the University’s most exciting new developments – the National Institute for Sport & Health’s Innovation Centre. She has a full-time role working as an Assistant Environmental Manager for Willmott-Dixon, the construction company delivering the building project.
After contributing to the NISH project’s early planning during a two-week placement in January, Maisie has now returned as a member of the team helping bring it to life.
During her placement in January, Maisie worked alongside environmental professionals and gained first-hand experience of how sustainability and environmental management are embedded into major projects. As part of the placement, she contributed directly to the environmental planning for our Innovation Centre – a project with a special significance as a Swansea Uni student.
Working with the project team, Maisie helped develop the Environmental Management Plan for the scheme, exploring environmental considerations associated with the site and contributing to early-stage planning discussions, gaining insight into how sustainability is being built into the project.
Maisie said, “Through the process of my graduation, I was lucky enough to gain a role as Assistant Environmental Manager at Willmott Dixon, through connections I had made through a work experience opportunity. Willmott Dixon happened to be working alongside Swansea Uni (where I was wrapping up my studies) on the NISH building.
“This project is particularly rewarding to me, and a real full-circle moment. Returning as an industry professional to apply my love for the built environment that developed at Uni, and developing an area for future Swansea students on the site that hosted my own Freshers’ Fayre 3 years earlier.“
Maisie’s journey reflects Swansea Uni’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to gain practical experience and develop the skills needed for their future careers. It also highlights the value of connecting students with projects that are helping to shape the future of the region.
As work progresses on the NISH HQ, Maisie will have the unique experience of watching a development she helped plan as a student become a reality as part of her professional career.
For NISH, it’s a great example of local talent helping create something that will benefit future students, researchers, athletes and the wider community for years to come.
