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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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Customer Focus
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 Do You Need to Work on The Railway?
Laura Trowbridge |
05-10-2021
The rail sector is a long-standing field of expertise for PPR recruitment, and we are the chosen partners for many rail networks such as Crossrail, Network Rail, and HS2. The rail network is the heart of UK infrastructure, and we know the industry in more detail than most. What do you need to work on the railway? The first thing to do when wanting to secure a position in the railway is to register with a 5*RISQS recruitment company such as PPR. You will require a Sentinel identity card which we can arrange for you. We set up a profile and membership number on the Rail Sentinel System. Without this you will not be able to work in the rail industry. What training do you need for a job on the railway? To work on the railway there are minimum standards you will need to meet. For example, you need to me a minimum of 16 years old and hold a National Insurance Number. You will also need to meet the medical standards set by Network Rail Standard NR/ L2/ OHS/ 00124 Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements, as well as the requirement of Network Rail Standard NR/ L1/ OHS/ 051 (Drugs and Alcohol testing). You will also need accreditation for a variety of competencies. Such as, Personal Track Safety if you want to work on the National Rail infrastructure or if you want to work on London Underground Sites you would need to complete an Industry Common Induction. If you want to expand your skills, further training courses are available, such as Overhead Lines Electrification Course – OLEC 1, 2 and 3 or Dockland Light Railway Course. What type of jobs are available in the railway industry? The rail industry has many positions to offer with continuous potential for development in your career. Common jobs within the rail industry would include: Telecoms Operative Tractions and Rolling Stock Operative Overhead Line Operative Signalling Operative Electrical Operative Track Maintenance Operative The key focus of your job will be to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and freight. To do this your daily work will involve assisting with construction, installation, renewal, or enhancement of the Railway. If you want to work in rail or you are looking for your next career move within the railway industry, PPR can help. For more information about our rail vacancies or speak with one of our friendly expert team members, contact us today. Call us on 01895 80 81 88 or send us a message online.
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Will UK air travel bounce back and how are careers in airports affected?
Mary Williams |
29-09-2021
Over the last twenty years, the world of aviation has been faced with extreme weather, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks. Every time the industry has arisen stronger, making global technology advances to support the aviation industry. Now they have a global pandemic to overcome. With reported industry job losses of 62K, this is no mean feat but with a nation held back from travel for over 18 months surely this is more than possible. Technology will be a key player in how the industry moves forward. Efficiencies that can respond to unpredictable fluxes in passenger numbers, as well as contactless experiences through airports, will become the determining factor for a sustainable future. But what about people? A larger number of elements need more than technology, they need a physical presence and a career in aviation is a rich and rewarding choice. As we see air travel open little by little, an increase in aviation roles will become necessary and fast - but with so many people having lost their jobs, will experience be enough? There are key elements to ensuring your application stands out above the crowd, including: 1. Know the company you are applying to It’s not enough these days to just apply for a role – you need to have an understanding of the company, its ethos and values. Doing your research early means you can tailor your CV not only to the role but outline common values with the company as well. It will also help in preparation for your interview, where a common question is nearly always – ‘What do you know about us and why would you be a great fit?’. 2. Don’t be shy When writing a CV, you need to find the right balance between selling yourself and not coming over as self-important. The main focus areas for any CV are the top and middle area of the first page. You should outline your strengths and key areas of expertise so they will grab the potential interviewer on the first read. Make sure your attributes are proven with examples like qualifications, achievements, and work experience, and use evidence to support your claims. Remember, with aviation there is a high level of background and criminal record checks, so it is important to be honest. 3. Simple and clear CV To ensure your CV is selected above the competition, keep it clear and concise with lots of white space. Use a simple font like Calibri or Arial. Two sides of A4 is the standard recommendation with a cover letter that is kept to one page. Bullet points are a great way to keep a clean look that also highlights your achievements, aligning them to the job description you are applying for. 4. A Cover Letter is vital A cover letter is an essential document to accompany your CV. It is here you can detail the value you would bring to the role and the elements from your CV you really want to bring focus too. It should be positive, engaging and authentic. 5. Check, check and check again Attention to detail is key. You can become blind to spelling mistakes and grammar errors when you have spent time preparing your CV, so it is strongly recommended that you ask someone you trust to read through for errors and typos. Don’t leave it there though. Make sure both the cover letter and CV are reviewed again, with an eye to make sure everything matches the requirements of the position you are applying for. 6. The Interview This is as much a time for you to be interviewing the company as they are interviewing you. Ensure you have questions ready to ask that will help you understand if this is a company that you want to work for and at the same time you will then come across as engaged – Just make sure the questions you are asking aren’t clearly detailed on the company website … only ever ask what you can’t find out for yourself. 7. Amend your CV for every application Each job will be looking for different elements from your career history and your abilities. Taking the time to amend your CV to highlight those achievements most relevant for each application will be time well spent to help make sure your CV is selected for the next stage of the recruitment process. It is a sure-fire way of helping the recruiter see what they need to, to know you have what it takes to succeed in the position. How do I get a job in aviation? If you long for a career in the aviation industry, contact PPR today for further information on current aviation roles near you. Related topics of interest: What careers are available in the aviation industry?
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The main types of jobs in rail
John Smith |
15-09-2021
The UK rail industry continues to attract thousands of new employees every year. It is estimated that the UK rail sector directly employs around 115,000 people. When you take into account the rail network supply chain, the rail industry supports in the region of another 250,000 people. As the UK rail network continues to expand and modernise, more opportunities are created within the sector. If you’re interested in a career in rail or you already work in the railway sector and are looking for a new position, here are the main types of jobs in rail for you to consider. Engineering roles The UK rail industry employs thousands of engineers. These range from civil engineers to mechanical and electrical engineers. Civil engineers in the railway industry will be involved in the planning and construction of new railway lines. They will work both on site and in an office environment and will require an excellent understanding of large-scale logistic projects. Mechanical and electrical railway engineers will often be responsible for maintaining the country’s fleet of railway engines. They will build new engines and carriages. They will carry out inspections on existing carriages and undertake any maintenance and repair work. They will also conduct regular testing on all mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems, writing reports and keeping records of any maintenance work completed. Station workers Railway station workers work either on the platform or in the railway station office. There will often be a good mix of indoor and outdoor work and wearing a uniform will usually be required. Some railway station responsibilities include: Checking and selling tickets Ensuring that passengers get on and off the train safely Loading and unloading luggage or cargo Updating software systems for electronic message displays Making passenger announcements Operating CCTV cameras Providing information for customers on train times, delays, routes, and services Many station worker roles are customer facing so you will need to be calm and reassuring when faced with customers who may be frustrated because of delays to their journey. You will, however, enjoy the benefits of a strong team environment and the opportunity to interact with lots of different people. Railway operations Railway operators ensure the smooth and safe running of the UK railway engines. Railway operator roles include: Train dispatcher Signal operator Freight conductor Railway operators will regularly review train schedules and carefully plan train timetables to avoid delays and ensure safe transportation of both passengers and freight. Railway operators must have excellent communications skills. An important part of a railway operators’ role is relaying information to other railway operators at locations across the country. Railway operators work within a geographically large area and will require a good understanding of UK geography and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Railway maintenance The railway maintenance sector is perhaps the largest sub-sector within the rail industry. Railway maintenance workers are responsible for the continual maintenance and upkeep of all railway engines, tracks, systems, stations, and communications software. Railway maintenance roles range from unskilled labouring work and semi-skilled engineering to experienced and qualified railway specialists within the mechanical and electrical sector. Working in railway maintenance is an excellent career choice with many opportunities for career development. Some railway maintenance roles include: Track inspectors Railway lubricators Signal maintainers Structural engineers Lighting engineers Electronic equipment engineers Station engineers (turnstiles, escalators, lifts, lighting, telephone systems) Platelayers As you can see, the railway industry is a large and diverse sector. With the UK’s HS2 project once again up and running and a drive for electrification of much of the UK’s rail network, now looks like the perfect time to pursue a career within the rail industry. If you’d like to find out more about working within the railway industry contact PPR today. You can call us on 01895 80 81 88 or fill in your details using our online contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Related content: Ways your labouring skills could be used in the rail industry Is it easy to get a job in railway? How to kickstart your career in rail with PPR
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4 elements you need on your CV when entering the engineering market
John Smith |
28-07-2021
A well written CV could be the difference between getting an interview and not being considered for the role. Engineering roles are traditionally very technical, require structure, and attention to detail so it is key that your CV reflects these skills. Your engineering CV should have a clear and concise structure that highlights your skills, experience, and education. Here are our top tips to help you write the perfect engineering CV to help you land that coveted job. Highlight your engineering education According to UCAS, the top five roles that Engineering graduates secure are in: Manufacturing Professional, scientific, and technical Construction Wholesale and retail trade IT So, if you’re looking to apply for a role in one of these sectors, or something similar, you know you’ll most likely need a degree. Most universities in the UK offer four-year undergraduate or integrated masters degrees (MEng) in engineering, which is a good indication as to the sort of qualification requirements needed when applying for a role in engineering. Only subjects and areas of interest should be highlighted on CVs. For example, Maintenance Engineers interested in automation engineering roles should highlight the systems they have experience in, such as Allen Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi etc. Engineering employers love professional development. Include all up-to-date courses, even if you are currently completing it such as Six Sigma and/or Lean manufacturing. This shows drive and ambition for the subject and will always be received well. Have some engineering work experience to talk about Real life industry experience is invaluable. Detail your work experience in a structured manner using bullet points. Each bullet point should be roughly two lines long with a concise description of the experience and why it’s relevant to the role you’re applying to. It’s about making yourself as applicable as possible. Talk about relevant interests and hobbies related to engineering What you do in your free time can tell recruiters a lot about your motivations, so don’t be afraid to include any clubs, groups or events that show how you’ve developed your skills and demonstrated a genuine interest in engineering. Relevant interests and hobbies will often include transferable skills which could make you a more desirable candidate. Relevant personal details and professional profile links As well as including your personal details like name, contact information, address, and date of birth, you should try to include a link to your LinkedIn profile and/or a link to an online portfolio, such as your own website. If you include a link to a portfolio, make sure it includes up-to-date examples of your work. This can act as an insightful extension of your CV. Find an engineering role with PPR Recruitment 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. Related content: What are the 7 sectors of engineering? What is the difference between white and blue collar operatives? 7 transferrable skills that you can apply to the construction industry Promoting equality: women in the construction industry
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What type of jobs are in engineering?
John Smith |
28-07-2021
Those who dream of a job in engineering will most likely complete an engineering degree and/or masters before applying for a role in engineering. Many students will begin by studying engineering in a broad sense before selecting specialist areas to study in subsequent modules of their course. These specialist areas often help students decide what type of engineering job they want – but what type of jobs are actually in engineering? We’ve put together this guide to help you find out. The 7 engineering disciplines Broadly speaking there are seven engineering disciplines, also known as sectors. These sectors contain various sub-sectors that offer different career opportunities. The 7 main engineering sectors: Civil engineering Electrical engineering Mechanical engineering Structural engineering Modern technology Water systems and plumbing Energy production and supply Within each engineering discipline there are various job opportunities. In practice, some jobs will involve more than one of these disciplines, and some graduate schemes or apprenticeships may give you the chance to try out different options to see what suits you. Here are some of the main types of jobs in engineering: Research and development – carrying out original research into areas that haven’t been investigated before. Design engineering – working on an engineering project before construction/manufacturing begins, to make sure that there is a detailed, practical design to work from. Project engineering/construction management – managing engineering or construction projects to make sure that they are completed on time, on budget, to the clients’ requirements and in line with safety legislation. Process engineering – analysing manufacturing processes and finding ways to make them safer and more efficient. Different engineering industries Engineers can also work in different industries. Most industries need engineers from a range of different disciplines for the different knowledge and skills that they bring. To give a very simplified example, in aeronautical engineering different engineers might be responsible for the following areas: Mechanical engineers – aircraft Electrical engineers – operating board-computers, guidance systems, communication systems, and networks Civil engineers – runways, hangers, and landing/take-off pads Key engineering industries include: Aeronautical (flight) Aerospace (aircraft and spacecraft) Agricultural (finding practical ways to fix engineering problems for machinery used in servicing the land – not just farm land) Automotive (road vehicles) Built environment (buildings and infrastructure) Chemicals (manufacturing substances on a large scale) Defence (production of technology that is used to ensure national security) Electronics (design, develop and test components, devices, systems or equipment that use electricity as part of their source of power) Energy (involved in energy production, as well as working on gas and oil extraction) Fast-moving consumer goods (manufacturing items such as snack foods and cleaning products) Marine (ships) Materials and metals (developing new materials or improving existing ones) Pharmaceuticals (pharmaceutical manufacturing) Rail (specialise in the design, construction, and operation of all types of railway systems) Telecoms (install, test and repair communications systems including mobile networks and fibre optics) Utilities (covering water, sewerage, energy, and telecoms) As well as all of these engineering sub-sectors listed above, there are many, many more. Engineering affects everything we do, from using phones to travelling and wearing clothes. That’s why there are so many types of engineering that fall within the 7 main disciplines. What are the average salaries for different engineering jobs? If you’re serious about a career in engineering, one big question you’re likely to have is “How much could I earn?” We’ve broken down the UK salary averages for the different engineering sectors to help give you a rough idea: Civil engineer - £24,000 – £80,000+ a year (UK average) Electrical engineer - £20,000 – £60,000+ a year (UK average) Mechanical engineer - £22,000 – £55,000+ a year (UK average) Structural engineer - £22,000 - £70,000+ a year (UK average) Modern technology engineer - £28,000 - £61,000+ a year (UK average) Water systems and plumbing engineer - £26,000 - £50,000+ a year (UK average) Energy engineer - £20,000 - £60,000+ a year (UK average) Discover a career in engineering with PPR 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. Related content: Top CV tips for 2021 7 transferrable skills that you can apply to the construction industry Promoting equality: women in the construction industry
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How to make sure you are compliant with new regulations as an HGV driver
John Smith |
09-07-2021
According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), there is currently a shortage of around 100,000 HGV drivers in the UK. Several factors have contributed to this huge shortage including the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic and the changes to working regulations for EU nationals post-Brexit. Last year, it is estimated that 30,000 HGV tests in the UK were cancelled due to the pandemic. Nationwide HGV employment drive The shortage of HGV drivers in the UK is beginning to have a serious impact on goods transportation both domestically and internationally. Some supermarkets have already suggested that shelves will become less well-stocked if the problems continue. Emergency talks are currently underway between government officials, retailers, wholesalers, and logistics groups to find an appropriate solution. The UK government is currently considering a massive employment drive to encourage people to train as HGV drivers. With so many vacancies across the logistics sector, now is the perfect time to consider retraining and following a career in transport. Relaxing of HGV drivers’ hours As a temporary solution to the shortage, Secretary for Transport Grant Shapps announced a temporary extension to HGV drivers’ hours. Under current legislation, an HGV driver in the UK or EU must adhere to the following regulations: No more than 9 driving hours per day (extended to 10 hours twice a week) No more than 56 working hours per week No more than 90 working hours in 2 consecutive weeks All driving hours must also be accurately recorded using a tachograph. Under the temporarily relaxed laws the following changes will come into use: No more than 10 driving hours per day (extended to 11 hours twice a week) This extension of HGV working hours is planned to start on the 12th July and continue until 11.59pm on the 8th August 2021. Any companies taking advantage of these extended hours must notify the Department of Transport before the period begins and again after the finish date. Important information for HGV drivers concerning breaks and rest A career as an HGV driver is challenging and rewarding. It can be well paid with many opportunities to travel both within the UK and further afield. Safety is at the heart of all HGV legislation. When in charge of a large vehicle on a public road you are responsible for the safety of yourself, your cargo, and all other road users. To ensure that HGV drivers work as safely as possible, there are tight restrictions concerning breaks and rest during a working day. As an HGV driver in the UK and EU you must adhere to the following regulations: You must take at least 11 hours rest every day (this can be reduced to 9 hours rest on 3 occasions between any fortnightly rest periods). You must take an unbroken rest period of 45 hours every week (this can be reduced to 24 hours every other week). After every 4 hours 30 minutes of driving, you must take a break or breaks totaling at least 45 minutes. You must take your weekly rest period after 6 consecutive 24-hour periods of working starting from the end of the previous rest period. These regulations are for HGV drivers working across the UK and EU. For detailed information regarding UK only HGV regulations visit https://www.gov.uk/drivers-hours/gb-domestic-rules. At PPR, we have worked extensively in the transportation sector. If you’d like to find out more about our current vacancies and the industries where we specialise, get in touch today. Have a browse of our website for further information then give us a call on 01895 80 81 88 or contact us online.
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