Spotlight on...Rhys Davies
With construction on the Eryri VIP project well underway, there is a significant team working across our sites in Minffordd and Llandecwyn who are committed to turning the plans to remove the pylons across Dwyryd Estuary into reality. In the first of a new series profiling the talented people behind the scenes, we put the spotlight on Rhys Davies from Hochtief UK to find out more about him and his role on the project.
Rhys Davies, a key member of the Eryri VIP team for our principal contractor, Hochtief UK, is a Blaenau Ffestiniog native and qualified civil engineer. With a passion for problem-solving and a colourful career that began at the age of 16, Rhys joins our project with a wealth of practical experience in the field.
“From a young age, I have always enjoyed pushing myself out of my comfort zone and tackling new challenges. During my career I’ve worked on major construction and infrastructure projects including HS2, tunnelling works and the strategic road network, as well as leading a project that was awarded two ICE awards for innovation and use of new technology.
“Joining the Eryri VIP team on an exciting and innovative project so close to home was a dream role for me.”
Rhys’s role on Eryri VIP:
“At the Garth site in Minffordd, I am responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient management of our site and programme. This involves planning, programme organisation, coordinating permits and temporary works, supervising site activity, and making sure our team morale and motivation remains high.
“Strangely, the things I enjoy most about my job are the high-intensity environment and the unpredictability because no matter how meticulously something is planned – and we pride ourselves on that – life has a habit of throwing up the unexpected.
“Every day brings a new challenge. I like to think of engineering like driving on a road: you may hit a pothole which changes your trajectory, but you find a way back to the intended route to reach your destination. That’s what makes an engineer – solving problems when you hit a project pothole.”
My advice for aspiring engineers:
“I would encourage anyone looking to get into a role like mine to always keep an open mind. You will never stop learning so absorb all the knowledge that you can from those around you. Take pride in what you do and show up every day with a ‘can-do’ attitude.”
Hobbies:
“When I’m not in my hard hat, you’ll usually find me at the gym, spending time with family or delving into some DIY.”