From Trainee to Triumph: A Q&A with Evan Taplin
Balancing a full-time career with a five-year university course isn’t for the faint-hearted. But that’s exactly what Evan Taplin achieved – with determination, resilience, and the backing of a strong support network. We sat down for a chat to explore the journey so far, the lessons learned, and what’s next.
Taking the Leap
Q: What first attracted you to join KAEFER and when was that?
A: I joined in June 2018 through a TUPE transfer. The opportunity to move into a larger multinational company where I could work alongside some of the best experts in the industry was a no-brainer. I saw it as a real chance to challenge myself and take the next step in my career.
Q: What was your initial role, and how has it evolved since then?
A: I initially stepped into an administrative position but things began to evolve. I moved into a commercial role, and with the support and guidance of Matthew Adams, a clear development path started to take shape. It’s been a journey of adapting, learning, and growing ever since.
It Felt Like Trying to Move a Mountain!
Q: Completing a five-year university course while working full-time is no small feat. What motivated you?
A: At the time, it felt like trying to move a mountain. Five years is a long and daunting commitment, and there were moments when it felt like the end would never come. But my biggest motivation was the desire to progress and to achieve something that most people around me, including family members, didn’t have the opportunity to do. I felt a real sense of responsibility to focus, push myself, and be the exception to what might have been expected, given my circumstances. It wasn’t easy, but the sense of purpose kept me going.
Q: How did you manage to balance the demands of full-time work and part-time study?
A: Balancing both meant that weekends and evenings were no longer mine, studying took priority, and having a social life wasn’t really an option. It was tough, but what made a real difference was the support I received from the people around me. My colleagues and direct managers were incredibly understanding and gave me as much flexibility as they could. People like Matt Adams, Ryan Doyle, Pete Tugwell, Mark Morgan, and Mohammed Patel genuinely had my best interests at heart and did whatever they could within their remit to help me succeed. That backing was invaluable and kept me going through the hardest parts.
Learning That Translates to the Real World
Q: Was there a standout topic or module during your studies?
A: A lot of the coursework had a strong focus on sustainability, particularly around Net Zero 2050 and decarbonisation. While that wasn’t initially an area I was particularly drawn to, I came to understand just how fundamentally important it is to the future of the industry. That said, the modules I found most rewarding were Quantity Surveying and Commercial Practice. These really aligned with my day-to-day role and reinforced the real-world application of what I was learning, which made it even more valuable.
Q: How did your studies influence your work as a quantity surveyor?
A: I genuinely believe that studying alongside full-time work has instilled a much stronger work ethic in me. Balancing coursework, exams, and deadlines on top of day-to-day responsibilities created a constant pressure, but it also pushed me to become more proactive and disciplined. I often had no choice but to manage my time effectively and maintain a high standard in both areas. That experience has shaped the way I approach challenges in my role today.
Making an Impact at KAEFER
Q: What are some standout projects you’ve worked on?
A: I’ve worked on a wide range of projects across multiple disciplines, primarily within the Southwest region. Some key sites include DOW, South Hook LNG, Valero Refinery, EP Langage, Seabank Power Station, and Bakelite, just to name a few.
As I’ve progressed in my role, so has the level of responsibility. Initially, I was commercially responsible for just a single site. But by my third year, that had grown to managing multiple sites at once. That shift really stands out to me as it reflects both the trust the business placed in me and the growth I’ve made along the way.
Q: How has KAEFER supported your development throughout your degree?
A: KAEFER have supported my development in a number of meaningful ways. Most notably, they covered my tuition fees and allowed me one day per week to attend university. This gave me the best possible chance to succeed.
Beyond that, being part of the wider KAEFER network gave me access to professionals with a range of experience and knowledge across various disciplines. Building personal relationships with these individuals made it easier to seek guidance and share knowledge. In fact, during my dissertation, I was able to conduct interviews with several colleagues across the business, which provided invaluable insights and strengthened my research.
On top of that, the variety of clients and stakeholders I interact with on a daily basis through my role has contributed significantly.
Q: Are there any team members or mentors who had a particularly big impact on your journey?
A: Several! But just to name a few:
Ryan Doyle – Senior Operations Manager: I worked closely with Ryan when he was the site manager in the region and still work closely with him now that he’s progressed. He was incredibly supportive, giving me the flexibility and time away from work I needed to focus on my studies. Ryan also took on responsibilities I would have otherwise handled, which really helped me balance everything.
Mark Morgan – Senior Operations Manager (retired): Much like Ryan, Mark gave me the space to focus when pressures were at the highest. I’m especially grateful for him letting me use his Cardiff office as a quiet place to work during peak times.
Pete Tugwell – Regional Manager (retired): While less involved day-to-day, Pete was always backing me up in important meetings. He often acted as a voice of reason, liaising between senior management and the business to make sure my degree journey was supported.
Matthew Adams – Head of Commercial: Matthew gave me my first commercial opportunity. He helped map out a development path for me, providing structure and guidance on how to grow into a commercial professional. He was always kind, patient, and supportive – he also played a key role in helping me start my university degree.
Mohammed Patel – Senior Quantity Surveyor: Mohammed came into the picture around my third year. Having completed a BSc in the same subject, he was an invaluable resource for knowledge and advice. He sat with me during coursework sessions and helped me create spreadsheets to maximise my marks. Overall, he was an amazing person to have by my side throughout the journey.
What’s Next?
Q: Now that you’ve finished your degree, what’s your next goal?
A: Right now, I’m working as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, but my next goal is to step into the role of Quantity Surveyor. Beyond that, I plan to pursue a master’s degree, outside of work, to keep growing both academically and professionally. Ultimately, my long-term aim is to become a Commercial Manager.
Q: Any particular skills or experiences you want to build on?
A:I’m really focused on refining the skills I already have and putting the knowledge I gained from university into practice. I’m hoping to take on more responsibility and face new challenges I haven’t experienced before. I want to be involved in some significant projects!
Q: What advice would you give to someone in your shoes — juggling work, study, and career development?
A: My main advice is to remember that it doesn’t last forever. The timeframe can feel really daunting and sometimes the end feels so far away it’s hard to believe it will ever come. But it does – and once it’s over you might even miss it.
The stress and pressure can feel overwhelming at times, like you’re never going to get through it. But that’s just part of the learning process. Just show up every day and try your best – that’s what really counts.