Meet Vasco, a Graduate Engineer in Kingspan

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Degree: 1) MSc in Mechanical Engineering; 2) BSc in Mechanical Engineering, 

University attended: 1) Politecnico di Milano, IT; 2) NOVA University of Lisbon, PT

1. What does your role in Kingspan involve?

I am currently working as a Graduate Engineer in Kingspan’s Light, Air + Water Division. My role is designed to give me exposure across both the Sales and Engineering functions, allowing me to develop a full understanding of the project life cycle. In the early stages of a project, I support the commercial and sales side by assisting with budgeting and maintaining close contact with clients. In this capacity, I act as a consultant, helping to translate technical solutions into clear business value. As projects progress into the design and installation phase, my responsibilities shift towards the engineering side. I assist with the preparation of drawings and coordinate with contractors and suppliers, ensuring that the work is carried out efficiently and aligns with project specifications. Overall, my role involves contributing to the smooth delivery of projects from initial concept through to completion, while gaining a well-rounded understanding of both the technical and commercial aspects of the business.

2. What is the most interesting project you have been involved in since you joined?

Since joining Kingspan, I’ve had the opportunity to work on interesting projects, many of which involved unique buildings that require unconventional approaches. However, the project I’ve enjoyed the most is my team’s Yours to Shape initiative, which focuses on improving the overall customer experience. I’ve been able to work closely with other graduates (many of whom I now consider good friends) while also engaging directly with senior leaders and executives from all Kingspan’s world. Another key highlight is that the project is highly practical, it is not just a theoretical exercise, but instead, designed to deliver real-world improvements and is strongly supported by mentors, sponsors, and facilitators.

3. What prompted you to apply to Kingspan?

The main factor that prompted me to apply to Kingspan was the strong image the company presents. It stood out to me as a global, well-structured organisation where I would have the opportunity not only to learn, but also to apply the knowledge and skills I had developed up to that point. After submitting my initial application, I realised that I was applying for a graduate programme, which led me to research it further. As I learned more about the structure of the programme, the level of responsibility offered, and the exposure to different areas and leaders of the business, my interest grew significantly. At that point, I recognised that this was an opportunity that aligned very well with my career goals, and it quickly became a top priority for me.                                                                                            

4. What was your experience of the Kingspan graduate recruitment process?

Recruitment processes are rarely easy, and Kingspan’s was no exception. After submitting my initial application, I was quickly progressed to the next stage, which involved completing a recorded video interview along with a series of psychometric tests, both of which were new experiences for me. This was followed by an assessment centre lasting around three hours, where assessors from different roles and locations were present. A key focus of this stage was collaboration, as we worked closely with other candidates on various tasks. The final stage was an on-site interview, where I gained a deeper understanding of the role and its responsibilities, as well as the expectations within the company. Overall, while the process was demanding, it gave me a very positive impression of Kingspan. It clearly reflects the company’s strong commitment to selecting candidates who not only have the right skills but also align with its culture and values.

5. Have you any tips for someone else thinking of applying to Kingspan?

For anyone considering applying to Kingspan, my main advice is to be proactive and open-minded throughout the process. While Kingspan certainly values strong technical knowledge, the recruitment process goes beyond that. Evaluators place significant emphasis on your ability to collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, and present your ideas with confidence. Demonstrating these skills can make a real difference.

In addition, I would strongly recommend taking some time to research the company’s values, culture, and mission. Having a good understanding of what Kingspan stands for will not only help you align your answers but can also give you a distinct advantage during interviews and group activities.

6. Looking back, what qualities and behaviours do you think you displayed during the recruitment process which made you a good fit for Kingspan?

Looking back on the recruitment process, I now recognise that the assessment centre was a particularly important stage, as it evaluated a range of key competencies such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. These were the qualities I actively tried to demonstrate throughout. During the group activities, I focused on showing my ability to approach problems creatively while staying focused on the objective. I made a conscious effort to listen carefully to others’ perspectives, build on their ideas, and provide honest feedback. I believe this helped create a positive team dynamic. In addition, I aimed to communicate my ideas clearly and confidently, while remaining open to adapting them based on group input. Overall, I genuinely enjoyed the experience and approached it with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. I think this willingness to engage, collaborate, and contribute while maintaining a good team spirit was something that came across and aligned well with Kingspan’s values.