This open and inclusive programme offers a four-week placement in an RLB office, enabling the participants to build networks, experience new cultures and perspectives, and enhance their personal and professional development.
The overall objective of GEEP is to share and develop best practice across RLB by promoting the exchange of business and technical expertise and world-class thinking from other jurisdictions.
Strengthening our collective knowledge is key to enhancing our ability to create the value that our clients are looking for. The programme also plays a fundamental role in leadership and management development, shaping our future success as a truly global business.
Previous participants have described GEEP as a life-changing experience that has broadened their skills and knowledge and rapidly driven their development.
The GEEP programme afforded me one of the most meaningful opportunities of my career; a month-long, face-to-face experience with my fellow RLB colleagues in the United Kingdom.
I collaborated with some of the brightest and most knowledgeable sustainability professionals that RLB employs across the world and learned invaluable lessons about their best practices and the fundamental skills and digital tools they leverage to deliver world-class services to their clients.
All of the people I met in the Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and London offices were so welcoming and hospitable that I not once felt I was a visitor but that I was one of them, part of their family. The experience was so much greater than what can be put into words and went by so quickly that it was seemingly over before it began.
The knowledge I gained will help me quickly advance the development and implementation of North America’s sustainability practices and services with the confidence that I have relationships with the best and brightest to rely upon for support as I go.
Aaron Woodward Associate Principal, RLB North America aaron.woodward@us.rlb.com
During my month working in our Sydney office, my days consisted of shadowing some of our Australian colleagues with their day-to-day tasks as well as learning about the general office operations and systems. I was taken on many site visits to witness their monthly claim reviews and learn about their role on some amazing projects.
I was intrigued by how RLB Sydney asserted its position as one of the top consultants in the city so that I could take this information back to our region. Their business development manager enlightened me about the approach they take to making new connections, winning projects and developing client relationships.
It was a truly amazing experience. My hosts were so welcoming. As well as learning about their projects and services, they ensured that my time in Sydney was filled with sight-seeing and socialising so that I could make new connections and friendships.
The knowledge I have gained from my time in the Sydney office I will be able to share with RLB Europe to improve our working efficiencies and services.
Isabelle Bowen Assistant Cost Manager, RLB UK isabelle.bowen@uk.rlb.com
During my one-month secondment at the London office, I had the privilege of being actively involved in projects within the commercial and data centre sectors. This provided me with a valuable opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience in our London colleagues’ day-to-day work, including tasks such as cost planning and payment valuations.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to learn about the construction industry in the UK, and I made several site visits, which further enriched my knowledge and provided practical exposure to local projects of different scales.
The team generously shared their knowledge and expertise, creating an environment conducive to professional growth. I had the privilege of visiting iconic projects, attending company social events, and participating in Apprenticeship Week, all of which sparked cultural and knowledge exchange.
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, one that has left a lasting impact on me. It has enriched my professional journey with international practice and market insights, strengthened my project delivery skills, and contributed to my personal development.
Suzanne Yip Senior Quantity Surveyor, RLB Hong Kong Assistant Cost Manager, RLB UK suzanne.yip@hk.rlb.com
I had the opportunity to work in both Auckland and Christchurch, experiencing the dynamics of two distinct offices within RLB New Zealand. In Auckland I learned from colleagues about their strategies for making connections, winning projects and nurturing client relationships.
Transitioning to Christchurch, I found a smaller yet equally impactful team. Here, the aftermath of the devastating 2011 earthquake reverberated through the construction sector, leading to a doubling in the size of the Christchurch office as the city embarked on extensive rebuilding efforts. This experience underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability in the construction sector, enriching my understanding of industry dynamics and the firm’s commitment to supporting communities in times of need.
The month I spent working in RLB’s Auckland and Christchurch offices was an incredible experience. Both host offices were very welcoming and ensured that my time in Aotearoa New Zealand was truly unforgettable through a healthy balance of working opportunities and sightseeing. It was fantastic to develop relationships with fellow RLB employees on both the North and South Islands and learn about their working and social culture.
Theo Simmonds Cost Manager, RLB UK theo.simmonds@uk.rlb.com
