Rhys Barrett

Im currently a Senior Engineer at Hemiko (formerly Pinnacle Power), where my primary duty entailed overseeing the setting out of a pipeline for a new district heating project situated within Cardiff. District Heating is relatively new solution for low carbon heating, consequently there became a lot of learning within the role as the practices for installing the heating pipes are new to the industry. This meant I had to do a lot of individual research and learning, as there were few individuals with prior experience in this specialized scheme.

This was also the first time Hemiko has self-delivered a project rather than use Subcontractors therefore in addition to setting out responsibilities, I was tasked with producing site documents from scratch to be rolled out throughout the companies nationwide projects. Such documents included:

· Permits to work

· ITPs for several different areas of work

· Method Statements

· Risk Assessments

· Safety Briefing Sheets

· Tool Box Talks

I was then also allocated the responsibility of producing and issuing some of these documents for site works.

In January 2022 I worked at the new Taffs Well Depot with Alun Griffiths, on a state-of-the-art steel-framed facility dedicated to maintaining new trains for the South Wales metro development. My role involved setting out duties aswell as producing and issuing permits.

My role then transitioned to Gelynis Farm, constructing an overpass to replace an existing level crossing. This endeavor entailed extensive earthworks, reinforced concrete installations, and deep drainage work. As well as setting out, I took responsibility for Inspection Test Plans (ITPs), meticulous as-built record maintenance, take-offs, and undertook some preliminary management duties.

Continuing with Alun Griffiths, Now as a Site Engineer/Agent role in Merthyr, focused on repairing and maintaining a rail underbridge. My engineering duties extended to setting out replacement trestles and plinths, along with diligent supervision of the project's progress during specific tasks. In my capacity as an agent, I demonstrated proficiency in drafting, amending Work Package plans, and Task Briefs, in addition to delivering weekly and daily performance reports. I also actively collaborated with the project team, participating in progress meetings and ensuring effective communication throughout the project.

I Started working for Gworks on a flagship job in newport, Vantage Data Center.

On this site i was responsible for setting out and surveying as well as being responsible for all QA documents on the site which included RFIs, NCRs and checking drawings before they were set out. I came up with my own digital QA system which was a fantastic success and was still used within the company when I left.

on this site I was responsible for:

• Setting out Drainage
• Setting out Pad Foundations
• Setting out Bolt positions
• Setting out Precast concrete.
• Surveying as builts
• Surveying Ground Obstructions

Also responsible for all QA documents on the site which included RFIs and checking drawings before they were set out. I came up with my own digital QA system which was a fantastic success and was still used when I left.

I worked with another engineer on this job where i provided them with drawings to go set out.

I worked for Firmacore on several residential sites

around the Bristol and Avon area. I had taken on more responsibility than I had done in previous roles, which I definitely enjoyed and learnt a lot about.

My day to day responsibilities include:

• • Setting out levels and coordinates
• • Recording Quality Control documents
• • Assisting with site supervision
• • Assisting with ordering materials
• • Checking and updating of drawing files
• • Ensuring tasks on site are completed to the correct standard

I first started in November 2018 as a Trainee site engineer and have been training on the job since, alongside my work I attended my one day in College and University studying my Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Construction & Built Environment and Civil Engineering at HNC level. My day to day responsibilities include:

• Setting out levels and coordinates
• Keeping Quality Control documents
• Assisting with site supervision
• Assisting with ordering materials
• Checking and updating of drawing files.
• Ensuring tasks on site are followed out to the correct standard.

Notable Projects


Trago Mills
Merthyr - When I first started I was placed in a team on the new Trago Mills Store in Merthyr. I spent 3 months here learning the basics of how to use the total station and other surveying equipment. In my time I here I was given the responsibilities to set out, Roads, drainage runs and other externals as well as working out different levels and grades for the groundworkers. After my 3 months here I was able to confidently go out and set out coordinates and levels by myself.


Premier Inn
Cardiff bay - I came to this job for the second phase, I developed enough skills and gained enough experience that I was left as the only engineer on this site. This was the first project I had worked independently so I had to work under pressure and balance my time well which I feel I achieved and made the project a success.. My responsibilities during this project included:

• Setting out internal and external Drainage
• Setting out shutters and formwork for ground floor slab
• Producing and updating quality documents

Walker House -

Cardiff - This was a residential housing site in Llanishen, Cardiff. I was on this project from the very start. We constructed Raft foundations on this particular job which was a first to me and I had go away and conduct my own research to learn more about them in order to be competent on the Job. I was also responsible for:

• Setting out the site boundary
• Site Earthworks
• Setting out of Internal Drainage and Ducting
• Setting out External Drainage including large culverts and attenuation tank
• Setting out and ordering materials for Access road
• Setting out external works

Crown Student Living
SA1, Swansea - Our works here was to complete the groundworks for a 8 storey RC frame building. I worked frequently with steel reinforcement throughout this job which has taught me a lot about RC structures.

My responsibilities Included:

• Setting out RC Structures such as Pile caps, Walls, Columns and Slabs
• Setting out Drainage main lines and pop ups as well as a Attenuation tank
• Producing Quality assurance documents
• Liaising with main contractor
• Doing take offs and ensuring the correct materials and quantities are on site
• Producing Surveys