I work as a trainee commercial building manager on medium- to large-scale commercial construction projects, ranging from five- to thirty-million pounds.
It's my job to manage subcontractor packages and the programme, and assist in controlling cost and design aspects of the design and build contract to deliver high quality buildings within budget and to deadline.
I deal with members of the design team, such as design managers, architects, consultants and engineers, as well as subcontractors and clients.
Every day brings a new challenge. The sense of achievement you get when you hand over a successful project is unparalleled
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Based | Plymouth |
| Employer | Willmott Dixon Construction |
What education route did you take from secondary school to where you are today?
When I left school I started a plumbing apprenticeship. I worked as a site plumber and made my way up to foreman. I continued to do my level 3 and eventually studied the HNC Construction and the Built Environment, receiving a distinction from Plymouth University. I then secured a place on Willmott Dixon Construction's management trainee programme and the company funded me to study the HNC Building Services Engineering at City of Bath College. I'm now awaiting my final result and have been predicted a distinction.
The legacy of your achievements remains for most of your life, depending on the projects you work on, and you get a real chance to shape and impact communities
Which company do you work for and what do they do?
Willmott Dixon Construction - one of the UK’s leading major contractors.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Being able to work with such a huge array of people from different backgrounds and rarely deal with the same problems twice. Every day brings a new challenge. The sense of achievement you feel in construction jobs when you hand over a successful project is unparalleled.
What is the highlight of your day?
A great part of working in construction typically comes early in the afternoon when the morning rush calms down. You get to walk the project and check on its progress. When you can see the project really developing every day you get a good sense of achievement and direction.
Where do you want your career to take you?
Eventually I want the opportunity to be the construction manager on a prestigious or ground-breaking project, and I aspire to become a director within my company.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in construction?
Working in construction is a truly unique opportunity that offers a sense of achievement you won't find in many other professions. The legacy of your achievements remains for most of your life, depending on the projects you work on, and you get a real chance to shape and impact communities.
Is there anything else you would like to share, which would inspire others to follow their chosen career path?
There are many routes into good jobs in the construction industry, which are open to anyone from all backgrounds and with different capabilities. It's a passionate industry full of individuals and built on teamwork. If you have the capacity to work hard and motivate yourself, there's an opportunity for a rewarding career.
If I could change anything from my journey it would be to have recognised sooner what I wanted to do and know what kinds of roles are out there. Had I known this, I could be where I am a little sooner - and I thoroughly enjoy what I do.
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