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PPR: Staffing solutions for construction projects
Industry experience & technical excellence
PPR are construction industry specialists. We connect Principle Contractors and Sub-contractors with qualified and skilled industry operatives. We work across the construction industry with a key focus on rail, airports, and mechanical & electrical engineering. We have supplied skilled staff for major infrastructure projects in London and the South East, and provide both clients and candidates with a comprehensive compliance and vetting process to ensure that we always deliver on quality.
If you’re looking for construction workers, civil engineers, or skilled driving and warehouse operatives, PPR can help. Alternatively, if you’re a construction worker or engineer looking for employment, we can connect you with the best companies and largest projects in the industry. We work across London and the South East, helping to increase employment throughout the region. From Essex to Kent and throughout Greater London, we have an extensive network of industry professionals. From our head offices near Uxbridge, West London, we provide a personalised service with a focus on customer care. Give us a call on 01895 80 81 88 or contact us online to find out how we can help you today.
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Our Core Values
At PPR, we are proud of the service we provide. We believe that by promoting excellence and upholding industry standards, we can help to create a better working environment and deliver better results. As such, our core values include: Integrity, Passion, Collaboration, Ambition, and Customer Focus.
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Collaboration
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Work For Us
Working for PPR is an excellent way to progress your career. We offer both our clients and candidates temporary and fixed-term contract work, permanent positions, temporary to permanent placements, training opportunities, career advice, and a simple to use payroll facility. For employees working directly for PPR, you can expect: motivational incentives, career progression opportunities, a lively and positive working environment, a highly positive work place culture, and regular dress-down days. In 2018, we were included in the Recruiter Magazine ‘Fast 50’. This is a list of the fastest growing UK recruitment companies, across all disciplines, in the UK.
Industry Updates
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What are the 7 sectors of engineering?
John Smith |
30-04-2021
Engineering is a popular career choice with many opportunities for growth and development. Many engineering students will begin by studying engineering in a broad sense before selecting specialist areas to study in subsequent modules of their course. Broadly speaking, engineering, particularly building systems engineering is often split into seven sectors. These sectors contain various sub-sectors and engineering exists in many forms outside these sectors. To provide a concise view of the seven sectors of engineering, we’ve compiled a list of their various characteristics to help you to find your next engineering role. 1. Civil Engineering Civil engineering involves the design, construction, and maintenance of various large-scale-built environments. The construction of new transport networks such as airports, roads, and railways are all parts of civil engineering. Canals, dams, pipelines, sewerage systems, commercial building structures. These all fall under the remit of civil engineering. Civil engineers will often work on large-scale projects in collaboration with various other professionals. 2. Electrical Engineering Electrical engineering is a broad and diverse field. It involves any project where electricity is key to functionality. Electrical engineers may work on vehicles: cars, planes, trains, and boats. They may be involved in domestic and commercial electricity supply or work in an electrical power station where electricity is generated. Electrical engineering is a fast-moving area where new advancements in technology are continually demanding increased levels of electrical support. 3. Mechanical Engineering A more traditional area of engineering, mechanical engineering involves the production and maintenance of machines. This could involve motor vehicles, factory-based machinery or mechanical systems located in buildings such as air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems. Mathematical theory plays an important part in mechanical engineering where a good knowledge of various formula and physics-based calculations are required. Mechanical engineers will often undertake a high percentage of maintenance roles as machines must be kept in excellent working order. 4. Structural Engineering Closely connected to civil engineering, structural engineering refers to the design, construction, and safety of a building or large edifice such as a bridge, dam, or dock. Structural engineers must have a good knowledge of architecture and the characteristics of various materials. Structural engineers will design buildings and structures to meet a certain purpose eg. A multi-storey car park. They must consider both strength and aesthetic during the design phase and often use collaborative software such as CAD design programmes and BIM (Building Information Modelling). 5. Modern Technology Often considered a sub-sector of electrical engineering, a technology engineer will be involved in the development of cutting-edge software, appliances, and computer systems. Technology engineers will often work on high-tech security systems, CCTV networks, internet access technology, IT systems, communication networks, and business-specific technology. A technology engineer will often specialise in one of the above areas or an even more niche area such as developing the next generation of fingerprint or retina scanning security systems. 6. Water systems and plumbing Plumbing engineers can be involved in any water management systems. These can vary from domestic heating appliances to industrial waste management systems. Water systems engineers often work closely with civil engineers and mechanical engineers. Projects often require a collaborative approach where the different sectors of engineering work together to find the best project solution. A good knowledge of physics is required to understand the importance of pressurised systems and water flow calculation. 7. Energy production and supply Energy engineering is currently undergoing drastic changes. As a society, we are moving away from relying on traditional fossil fuels for energy production, with a focus on more sustainable methods. A modern energy engineer will most likely work on developing the next generation of green energy production and supply. This could be as a wind turbine engineer or as a specialist solar panel technologist. Lithium battery technology is also at the forefront of recent energy developments as is the nuclear energy sector. As you can see, engineering is a broad and diverse area. It is also an excellent choice in terms of career prospects and salary expectations. If you’d like to find out more about our current opportunities within engineering call PPR on 01895 80 81 88 or contact us online.
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IT and digital skills that will help your CV post-Covid
John Smith |
19-04-2021
IT and digital skills are an essential aspect for many job roles. As more and more people move towards some level of home working, having the necessary IT skills to ensure that you can perform your role remotely are becoming increasingly attractive to potential employers. To help you to give your CV an overhaul and maximise your chances of landing your next career placement, we’ve compiled a list of the essential IT and digital skills to help your CV post-Covid. Basic digital skills Basic digital skills are essential for almost every job in the 21st century. Having basic digital skills is also a requirement in our personal lives as so much of our time is spent online. Depending on the job role you’re applying for, you may not want to list basic digital skills on your CV as these are going to be expected as a minimum competency by most employers. Basic digital skills include: Using the internet for research purposes and accessing reliable websites via various devices Communication via e-mail and social media including sending documents as attachments Setting up accounts to enable online purchasing and payment methods Using secure passwords, safe internet practices and taking precautions against viruses and scams These skills are transferable between your personal and professional life and may be relevant to certain roles or experiences. For example, a role in the financial sector will require an excellent understanding of setting up and maintaining online banking/payment accounts and the related passwords, security, and anti-virus technology. Advanced digital skills The IT and digital sector is broad and diverse. It encompasses everything from office-based roles to construction design, electrical and mechanical work, all forms of telecommunications and a wide range of service-based industries. While each sector will have its own specialist IT and digital systems and approaches, there are certain IT and digital skills which are useful in all areas of employment. Digital marketing With so many transactions being completed online, todays’ shop floor or showroom is often complemented by a company website. In many cases, companies no longer have a physical shop environment, and all transactions are purely digital. Whether you’re working for a construction company selling building products or an online clothing store, knowledge of digital marketing will be an attractive attribute to add to your CV. Some specialized digital marketing skills include: Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising Search engine optimization (SEO) E-mail marketing Experience in any of these areas is a great strength for your CV in a post-Covid world. Being able to demonstrate bringing these areas together in an overall marketing strategy will also be an attractive feature of any CV. Social media Social media plays an important part in almost everyone’s lives. People connect on a personal level through platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram on a daily basis. On a professional level, social media can help a business to sell their products, promote their services and build their business’ reputation. With a global reach, social media can be a powerful tool for any business owner. Professional experience in social media management is therefore an extremely sought-after skill for many business owners. Social media skills which will look great on your CV include: Social media management using tools such as Hootsuite and Canva Performance measurement analysis New channel research Brand awareness and promotional campaigns Influencer engagement Social media in the professional world is all about connecting with potential customers and building an online relationship which leads to more sales. User experience (UX) and analytics Traditional shops and showrooms are designed to be attractive for customers and well-laid out to ensure customers can find what they are looking for. The same can be said for a company’s website. Websites should be as user friendly as possible to ensure that potential customers find what they are looking for as easily as possible. User experience looks at ways to improve a website’s functionality by improving load speed, navigation, and ease of interaction. Digital UX experts will perform site analyses to ensure that mobile apps, websites, and any associated chat/customer interaction tools are functioning to their optimum level. Web analytics plays an integral part in any company’s digital marketing strategy. Specialists will use precision software to track customer behaviour patterns and predict outcomes. Experience using web analytic tools will help you to land your next role in IT/digital. Some of the most popular and powerful tools include: Google Analytics Adobe Analytics Crazy Egg SEMrush Digital and IT skills are becoming increasingly essential in the modern workplace. If you want to make the most of your CV in a post-Covid world, there are loads of online courses you can take to improve your digital and IT skills and give you a better chance of landing your next role. If you’d like help finding work with PPR, you can register your details with us and we’ll match your CV, skill set and experience with any vacancies we are currently advertising. Alternatively, you can give us a call to discuss the best options for your career development on 01895 80 81 88.
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How does the future look for warehouse automation?
John Smith |
06-04-2021
Warehouses and factories across the country have long featured automated conveyor belts and robotic picking and packing machinery. Human workers often work alongside machines, known in the industry as cobots, which can be beneficial in terms of safety and productivity. With the Covid 19 pandemic changing the way many of us work and placing increasing demand on products purchased through online ordering, what is the future of warehouse automation? Let’s take a closer look. How is online shopping affecting warehouse supply chains? As more and more purchases are made remotely, warehouses are forced to hold higher levels of stock. Reductions in purchases in retail environments are having a huge and instant impact on the way warehouses function. With increase in demand comes the need for improvement in processes. Many smaller warehouses are simply not equipped to accommodate the increasing demand for online shopping. With customers increasingly expecting next day delivery on a wide variety of items, businesses must act quickly to keep up with the online shopping revolution. One way that is helping businesses to adapt is a more collaborative way of working. The importance of integrated warehousing Many large-scale corporations such as Amazon and Ocado are streets ahead of their competitors in terms of storage capacity, distribution efficiency and incorporation of technology into their processes. Many retailers are, therefore, forming strategic partnerships with these larger corporations in order to fulfil their orders. Warehouse capacity management is at the heart of maximising capacity and improving efficiency. In the future, with increasing transparency between businesses, it looks likely that on-demand warehousing will become a popular way of working. Larger businesses using data tracking technology will be able to offer warehouse space to rent during off-peak times to accommodate temporary demand for more storage space. Robotic software applications When people think of automation, they often imagine a futuristic warehouse where robots have replaced humans. The reality is perhaps, quite different. One of the biggest uses of warehouse automation looks likely to be an increased use of robotic software for planning and logistics. Technology such as data analysis applications and artificial learning technology will be used to find the most effective methods of planning and distribution and will also play an integral role in warehouse and factory safety. In the physical warehouse environment, drone technology is now being used safely alongside human workers to accurately move and organise stock and deliveries. Types of warehouse automation In the next few decades, it looks like warehouses will steadily become more and more automated. Some of the automation innovations we’re likely to see are: Goods to Person (GTP) technology – GTP includes any automated technology which is designed to improve efficiency and decrease congestion eg. Carousels, lifts, conveyors etc. Digital automation systems – Automatic identification has dramatically speeded up warehousing processes. Systems such as barcode scanning technology can be expensive to implement but beneficial in the long run. Robotic lifting devices – Manual lifting can have a negative impact on the health of a human worker. Certain robotic devices are designed to assist humans with certain warehouse activities for the benefit of both employer and employee. Automated vehicles – Forklifts, drones and other vehicles use GPS and laser guidance systems to navigate safely around a warehouse environment alongside human workers. Benefits of warehouse automation Warehouse automation can be beneficial for business owners, customers, and employees. The ultimate goal of automation is not to replace human activities but to work alongside them. Some potential benefits of warehouse automation include: Reduced labour and operational costs More efficient and productive processes Reduced handling and human error Improved data analysis and accuracy Enhanced customer service Optimisation of available warehouse space Better working environment Improved logistical capacity Better levels of workplace safety Warehouse automation has been a part of our lives for many years. As technology advances at an increasingly rapid rate, warehouse managers must embrace new technologies in order to maximise their full potential. It seems unlikely that automated technology will ever replace human initiative and manual handling skills. The future of warehouse automation is, indeed, predicted to be a better environment for human workers as technology becomes increasingly integrated alongside better working standards. At PPR, we regularly work with employers and employees in various warehousing job roles. If you’re interested in a career in warehouse work or you’re looking for your next placement in a warehouse environment, contact PPR today. For more information about our current vacancies or to register your interest with us, call 01895 80 81 88 or send us a message online.
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What is time management skills?
John Smith |
31-03-2021
Time management skills are essential in any working environment. Having good time management skills means that you can allocate the right amount of time to different tasks enabling you to be more productive in your work. Many employers will look for specific examples of where you used your time management skills to benefit your productivity. Time management skills are ‘soft skills’ which can be transferred across different job roles and used in any industry. The benefits of having good time management skills Proven time management success is an attractive attribute for any employee to have on their CV. Being able to talk about your time management skills in an interview can also make you stand out to any potential employers. Time management skills can also help to: Improve productivity Boost efficiency Enhance your professional reputation Increase career opportunities Reduce stress levels Grow business profit margins Applying your time management skills in work scenarios can have a positive impact on both your own and your colleagues’ working lives. Time management in different employment sectors At PPR, we have in-depth knowledge of several professional sectors. In our experience, time management skills can be used to solve issues and improve productivity in various ways within an industry-specific scenario. Here are some examples of where time management is essential within our specialist areas. Construction – Within the construction sector, certain activities must be completed before another job can commence eg. Bricklaying before timber work. Forward planning and time allocation are therefore essential in any construction project. Industrial – From warehouse organisation to delivery schedules and logistics, working within an industrial setting requires outstanding time management to ensure productivity is continually maximized. Airport – An airport is a highly time-sensitive environment. Whether you’re working in an air-side or land-side role, good time management skills will be essential for the airport to continue to function. Rail – Whether it’s railway maintenance work or planning and development of new rail networks, all railway engineering and planning work will be governed by strict time scales and schedules. Telecoms – In the UK alone, the broadband network is continually growing and becoming faster and more complex. To ensure that all telecoms projects run as planned, intricate schedules must be developed and adhered to at every stage. Mechanical & electrical – This industry is vast and diverse. Whether you’re working on lighting, renewable energy, ventilation or any other sub-sector, these specialist areas are intrinsically linked. Therefore, excellent time management skills are essential to ensure a smooth working process is achieved. If you’d like to find out more about working with PPR get in touch today. Call us on 01895 80 81 88 or contact us online.
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5 easy ways to improve problem solving skills
John Smith |
22-03-2021
Problem solving skills are essential for every type of employment. They can help you to optimise performance and get the best out of yourself and those around you. Many employers look for examples of problem-solving skills both when reviewing CVs and during the interview process. If you want to boost your employability and further your professional career, here are five easy ways to improve your problem-solving skills. Problem identification – The first thing you need to do with any problem is to understand the cause. Once you identify the problem, it will be much easier for you to find and suggest effective solutions. The problem may have one or several root causes which will need addressing to resolve the issue. Collaboration – Teamworking is a vital skill for many employment situations. When it comes to problem solving, two heads are, very often, better than one. Collaborating with your colleagues can help to pool resources and optimise various employee skill sets to find the best solution to a problem. Logical thinking – Taking a methodical approach to problem solving is effective and shows an employer that you are calm and rational in a stressful situation. Use your analytical skills to look at the problem objectively. This will give you more chance of finding the best outcome. Creative thinking – This is particularly useful when trying to solve longstanding problems. If you can think ‘outside the box’ and find new ways to approach a problem, you will often be rewarded with innovative solutions. Process development – Most companies have procedures to follow to solve any problems. If these processes have been followed but the problem has not been resolved, a focus on process development can help to redress the issue. Use the existing process as a template and work with colleagues to alter the framework to maximise performance. Problem solving varies greatly in different industries. The problems facing an office worker will be different to those working on a construction site. The ways of approaching problems and finding a solution, however, are extremely similar and can be easily transferred. Think of examples using the above problem-solving situations to include in your CV or to talk about in an interview. These types of holistic or soft skills are a great asset for any job candidate and will be viewed in a positive way by any potential employer.
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Top CV tips for 2021 (Covid edition)
John Smith |
15-03-2021
2020 was an unprecedented year for everyone. Many of us have faced dramatic changes to both our personal and professional lives. With Covid 19 transforming the way work is carried out, lots of people are questioning what the future of employment really looks like. With home working becoming a permanent addition to our lives and many people looking for new jobs because of redundancy or just the desire for a change of career, the job market is a completely different arena to what it was only one year ago. To ensure that you maximise your career potential in this new employment landscape, it’s essential that your latest CV reflects the changing attitudes towards employment. To help you to optimise your career opportunities here are our top CV tips for 2021 and beyond. Write a great intro At the top of your CV, there should be three to four sentences that summarise your skills and experience. This section should be clear, brief, and engaging. It should make any potential employers eager to find out more about how you could fit in with their company. Focus on the positives If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that staying positive is essential, both for ourselves and our friends and family. Any employers are going to want to know how you coped with your working life in 2020. If you worked from home, focus on the positives like how you smoothly made the transition from office to home. Talk about how you managed to prioritise your workload effectively despite other challenges such as childcare. If you were made redundant or furloughed during the pandemic, talk about anything you’ve done to proactively further your career. This could include any courses you’ve taken, voluntary work, or creative activities such as home renovation projects. Engage with technology Your ability to work with modern technology is going to be expected by most employers. Listing skills such as Microsoft office suite or Internet search engine is wasted space on your CV as every candidate will have these skills. Do your research and highlight any industry-specific technology which you have used which will help your CV to stand out. For construction industry roles, CAD and BIM software are worth mentioning. If you’re working in a professional services role, fluency using data analysing and user experience software such as Semrush and Google Analytics will be a great addition to your CV. Use keywords to your advantage Many recruitment agencies and companies today use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs. ATS software is designed to search documents for specific keywords to help streamline the selection process. If your CV doesn’t contain the desired terminology, you may be rejected before a human has even seen your CV. To ensure that you don’t fall foul of a company’s ATS, before applying, thoroughly read the job specification of the role you’re applying for. This will almost certainly contain any keywords which you’ll need to include in your CV to get past the ATS vetting process. Simplify, simplify, simplify The UK jobs market is currently saturated with job seekers. For every vacancy, there are potentially thousands of people competing for that one role. Recruitment agencies and employers looking for candidates to fill their latest vacancy want to fill their vacancies as quickly and easily as possible. By simplifying your CV, you are helping anyone reading it to find all the information they need immediately. Use bullet points for clarity Choose a clean and simple layout Use a professional font such as Calibri or Verdana in size 11pt – 12pt Highlight salient points (job-specific info) in bold Create a balance between soft skills such as flexibility and professional skills and experience Talk about the last ten years only – employers want to know about you now not a decade ago Summarise qualifications and personal details – dates are not usually necessary and most recent information is most important When writing your CV, always have the employer in mind. Do your research both into the company you’re applying to and the role which you are applying for. Tell them what they want to know. Don’t be afraid to use a template for your CV but always tailor the content for each role you’re applying for. This will help you to get a higher success rate of being called for interview. If you’re currently looking for a new employment opportunity, registering your CV with a recruitment agency is an excellent way to further your prospects. Get in touch with PPR today to find out more about how we connect companies with the perfect candidates across a range of industries and sectors. You can call us on 01895 80 81 88 or send us a message online.
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