Everyday we are faced with decisions. Some are small, some big. Sometimes we choose wisely, sometimes we choose poorly. Deciding whether to participate in the co-op program was a big decision in my life. After experiencing a couple semesters of work, I now feel that deciding to work with Traylor Bros. in the co-op program is one of the best decisions I’ve made.

My first work session took me to Slidell, LA to work on the I-10 Twin Span Bridges. Coming into my first session, I had only taken one semester of basic civil engineering courses and was quite worried. These worries would quickly go. Everyone was very helpful and willing to assist me with becoming familiar with the job and everything that was going on. The first few days were spent learning about the basic tasks of each crew and how the job functioned as a whole. I became familiar with the entire process from the driving of piles all the way up to the pouring of deck. I would soon find myself working with the survey crew. Though I may not be doing survey work in the future, this experience will be highly valuable in the future. Engineers and surveyors have to communicate all the time and I will now have a better understanding of what the survey work consists of. I worked with the crew on setting templates, as-building columns, setting grade for the deck, and all other survey tasks required for bridgework. I was able to connect things I had learned in my basic surveying class with things we were working on. I learned how to properly set up the geodimeter instrument and also learned how to work with the GPS system. I really enjoyed working with the survey crew and feel like I have taken a lot that I will be able to use in future.

I also learned a lot about the importance of safety in the construction industry. I was part of the Safety Committee. The Safety Committee would go on safety inspections looking for safety hazards, but also noting tasks that were being done in a safe manner. The Safety Committee consisted of members from each crew so everyone brought something different to the table. We were able to inform each other of specific hazards faced by a certain crew. I learned how it is important to always be cautious and aware on a construction site.

For my second session, I worked on the Upper Northwest Interceptor tunnel project in Sacramento, CA. Going from above ground to below ground was a big change. Tunnel work is totally different, and once again I had to learn the basic procedures and everything that was going on. I would work on swing shift, making sure operation and production was smooth. In order to keep production smooth, I monitored the TBM operating screens, maintained the grout plant, and also the foam plant. I was required to learn about the TBM and the appropriate settings depending on the type of ground we were mining through. I had to know the correct settings and mixtures for the grout and foam plants, and was required to troubleshoot when there was a malfunction in the plants. The responsibility was somewhat intimidating at first, but soon became second nature as I learned more and more each day. I also worked on various tests for quality control. I worked on spark testing, which tests for the quality of welding in the tunnel. I also worked on inclinometer testing, which tests for movement in the ground. Learning how to properly format a report was important and something I will likely use frequently in the future. My experience working on the tunnel showed me more of the engineering aspects of a project. Once again, safety was of high importance. I worked on creating a Safety Hazard Analysis which outlines the procedure and safety checks for completing a task.

My work experience has been great so far and I’m sure there are only better things to come. If you are looking for a hands-on construction experience, I would definitely consider doing the co-op program or an internship with Traylor Bros.