Describe a typical day at work

• Coordinating construction works on site
• Managing safety on site
• Completing work within timeframes
• Planning upcoming works
• Managing site logistics and deliveries
• Liaising with design team and client.
• Updating programme

What do you love most about working in your career area?

• It’s the right balance between working physically and mentally
• If you stick at it, the possibilities are endless.
• There will always be work in construction.
• You can work all over the world.
• Variety of work and environment
• Build a lifelong career
• Working in a team

What training/qualifications did your undertake for your current role or are you currently studying?

I am currently finishing off my ONC in construction.

Is there any other information that would be of interest to someone thinking of a career in construction?

It’s not all dust and dirt, there is a professional side to building, and something you can be proud and passionate about. When I started out in construction I had no idea what I wanted to do for a full time career, but after being at it for around 2 and a half years I can tell you it is a satisfying and rewarding career path to go down. If you are thinking of a career in construction, you should go for it and apply.

Describe a typical day at work

Busy, to say the least. First thing in the morning I inspect site and ensure that all sub-contractors are clear on what work must be carried out that day. Also with that I will do a health & safety walk around and inspection. Following that I will start doing some paperwork; H&S, emails, programming, planning the next 2,3,4,5 months of the project and regularly attend progress meetings. Regular reporting to the client, dealing with Architects, Engineers, Building Control and Local Authorities, to name a few, are also part of my typical day.

What do you love most about working in your career area?

Seeing the completed project and to be proud of what has been achieved. A lot of days can be extremely stressful but when all is said and done, you can stand and look at where all the hard work has gone, it’s very satisfying.

What training/qualifications did your undertake for your current role or are you currently studying?

I am currently completing my last year degree in Construction Management which will be a great relief and achievement. Over the last 2 years I have also completed the following:

• Degree as above
• Foundations of management training
• First Aid
• Scaffold Inspection
• Delivering Construction Performance through BIM
• SMSTS – Site Management Safety training Scheme
• Asbestos Awareness

It is also important to be proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Project and the use of email.

Is there any other information that would be of interest to someone thinking of a career in construction?

If someone is like minded to myself in that they enjoy planning ahead, managing and working with many different people from all parts of the world then a career in Construction Management may be the way forward.

Construction is not watch making, no 2 buildings are the same and this is where the challenges lie. Don’t get me wrong, it can be stressful, but the reward of seeing that finished product more than make up for it.

Describe a typical day at work

My typical day would largely consist of organising and managing sub-contractors on site and liaising with architects & clients regarding design and implementation of the drawings. I would also report against programmes, oversee deliveries, and control the day to day running of the construction site. Depending on the nature of the job, I may be involved with the engineering and setting out as well, which I enjoy.

What do you love most about working in your career area?

No project is the same! You can take things you have learnt and problems you have overcome from one job into the next one which is invaluable, but you are always faced with new challenges that you need to deal with, which is a chore at the time but a great sense of accomplishment when you resolve them. In that sense, I’m never bored! Unlike other job roles, once a project is completed you have something tangible put your name to.

What training/qualifications did your undertake for your current role or are you currently studying?

I completed by A Levels at Victoria College and started working for Camerons after deciding against University. Once I started they enrolled me onto the four year Construction Management Course at Highlands College, partnered with London South Bank University. I have completed the two year HNC Diploma and am now in my final year of the Degree.

Is there any other information that would be of interest to someone thinking of a career in construction?

 Something I did not know before getting into construction was the amount of opportunities it opens up. The knowledge you learn from running a building site can be taken into a variety of different industries. With a degree in construction management you can travel the world and always find work. You will develop a set of skills that not many people have and can be used to your advantage