Van Elle was established in 1984 and since then has grown to become the UK’s largest independent ground engineering contractor, successfully completing over 1,000 projects per annum across the UK.
Our unrivalled range of engineering techniques and design services enables our expert engineering teams to develop technically excellent and cost-effective solutions across a wide number of sectors, from housing, construction to rail.
We employ over 500 people, with a turnover of more than £84 million and we have plans to grow and build on our reputation for delivering high-quality foundation and ground engineering solutions.
We put safety at the heart of all that we do, and we reiterate the clear message that we expect our employees to always prioritise ‘safety first, production second’. We empower our employees to follow this ethos though our clear company Values of S.I.T.E – Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence. More information on our values can be found here. Van Elle invests in our people, whether that is supporting vocational training through our in-house Training & Assessment centre, supporting professional accreditations, or simply supporting career development through on-the-job training. We recognise people are our most valuable assets. We are proud to value diversity and celebrate individual differences, believing that our inclusive family-centric culture helps our business continue to grow as a dynamic and innovative organisation.
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Lewis Yates, Design Engineer
Why did you join Van Elle?
I had prior experience working in construction but was looking to move into design, specifically in the geotechnical field. As the largest independent geotechnical contractor, I was attracted to the fast-paced, innovative culture that exists at Van Elle. When I came for interview I was really impressed by the personable, friendly atmosphere and everyone I met seemed to genuinely care about each other and the company.
How has your career developed at Van Elle?
Since working at Van Elle I have been able to work on a technical paper for Piling 2020 conference and completed my ICE training agreement. Van Elle’s ICE training scheme has been great, with plenty of other trainees at different levels to help and compare notes with.
What is a typical day?
A typical day normally starts with a coffee at 8am and a quick read through emails to plan the day ahead. I will then work on design for say a wall, bearing piles or maybe a piling mat until lunch. After lunch I will either continue designing or check other designs done by colleagues. In between this I normally deal with any technical queries, meetings with engineers, deal with any changes to old designs due to changes in site conditions and other phone calls.
Three words to describe what it is like to work here?
Responsibility, fresh, fast-paced
Aaron Haslam, Estimating Director
Why did you join Van Elle?
I had previous experience in the piling industry but was limited in my advancements due to being part of a small team. Van Elle appealed to me as it offered progression as well as the opportunity to learn and offer more disciplines to clients. As an estimator it is very useful to be able to give a wide variety of options for engineering solutions where others might not have the expertise within their business.
How has your career developed at Van Elle?
In my five years at Van Elle I have progressed from an Estimator/Business Development Manager to Estimating Manager and then now to Estimating Director. I have been judged on the merit of my work and commitments, along with being rewarded and mentored along the way by an encouraging management team. Through mentoring I learnt new skills which I now use to progress and help facilitate growth to my team.
What is a typical day?
A typical day is working with our Housing team on winning work which can include; sending quotations, negotiating contracts, carrying out designs as well as managing and developing our team.
Three words to describe what it is like to work here?
Team-Focused, driven, rewarding
Tom Foster, Digital and Marketing Apprentice
Why did you join Van Elle?
I joined Van Elle as a Digital Marketing Apprentice in our Training Centre. I was very impressed during my interview and when researching the company by the facilities as well as the ideas for growth and knew I wanted to be a part of it.
How has your career developed at Van Elle?
I have progressed into a new role within our Marketing department since joining and I have been given more responsibility. I am really enjoying it.
What is a typical day?
A typical day consists of having meetings with my manager, arranging and writing content for social media, creating case studies or articles, designing new assets and analysing data. I hope to have completed my apprenticeship and be qualified by early 2021 and I’m excited about dedicating my time to more specific marketing projects thereafter.
Three words to describe what it is like to work here?
If I was to sum up in three words what it is like to work for Van Elle I would say, challenging, flexible and ambitious
Mustafaa Mcdonald, Civil Engineer Apprentice
Why did you join Van Elle?
I joined Van Elle because I knew they were one of the biggest companies in the ground engineering industry and trusted that I would be in safe hands with the team to kick-start my professional career. The apprenticeship at Van Elle was offering a civil engineering degree as well as supporting me on my route to becoming an incorporated engineer and this was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.
How has your career developed at Van Elle?
When I first arrived at Van Elle I had very little experience in the geotechnical industry, so things did seem very daunting to begin with. In just over one and a half years with the company, and with the support of my colleagues and mentors, I have gained far more knowledge than I initially anticipated. This has given me the ability to carry out various tasks with minimum support and guidance, and as a result has led to me to managing to secure a number of tenders.
What is a typical day?
On a typical day at work one of the main things I do is provide clients with quotations for our foundation solutions at the tender stage. It is critical that I’m able to design the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions to allow us to compete with other companies to win the job. The design element of my role requires me to work out what sort of pile and length should be used with the given ground conditions and structural loads. I also carry out beam designs on CAD by using the integrated Smartfoot package. Overall working within Van Elle gives me a very broad experience which allows for various learning opportunities.
Three words to describe what it is like to work here?
Motivating, engaging and rewarding.
Olivia Bestwick, HR Advisor
Why did you join Van Elle?
I came to Van Elle when I was 17 for work experience, I was unsure what I wanted to do in the future and Van Elle showed me what it was truly like to enjoy your work and love the company you worked for. I knew after my work experience that I wanted to work for Van Elle and joined as a HR Apprentice in 2018.
How has your career developed at Van Elle?
In the past three years I have completed my level three Diploma in Human Resources Practice and started my level five this year. I have gained incredible amounts of knowledge and on-the-job experience which has helped me progress to a HR Advisor. Everyday is a learning day and it is amazing to work for a progressive company like Van Elle.
What is a typical day?
In HR it is difficult to have a typical day as in the world of HR everything is changing and there is always something new to do and learn, it was one of the reasons I chose to work in HR. I enjoy the excitement of everyday and the challenges we have in the department, it helps me and the team grow and develop.
Three words to describe what it is like to work here?
Rewarding, progressive, engaging
Elliott Scott, Driller
Why did you join Van Elle?
I joined Van Elle due to having an interest in construction and had been involved in the industry in different trades from leaving school. I was made aware of an opportunity to join the company through a family member and jumped at the chance for a new challenge.
How has your career developed at Van Elle?
I started as an Assistant Driller and from day one started learning the ropes of the job . I am now training to become Lead Driller in our Strata Geotechnical division.
What is a typical day?
A typical day on site with Van Elle includes working outside on different types of rigs with the opportunities to learn how each one works. No job is ever the same, you work on all different types of projects across the UK.
Three words to describe what it is like to work here?
Interesting, Travel and Opportunity
If you can’t see a suitable role right now, that’s absolutely fine, we’d love to hear from you anyway! We can keep your CV on file and contact you as soon as a suitable position becomes available which matches your skill set. Please submit your CV and tell us which roles you are interested in
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