The industry includes an impressive range and variety of roles – but unless you are on the inside it can be hard to know how to break in, let alone progress to the top. In this  series, we talk to professionals about their often surprising career twists and turns

Amy Laycock

How long have you been working and what is your current job?

I have been working with BW: Workplace Experts for three years now. I am in the process of doing a five-year degree apprenticeship in construction management, which has been fully funded by BW: Workplace Experts. In my current role I am managing the subcontractors on our fit-out sites in accordance with the programme.

What were your initial career ambitions? (Would your 16-year-old self be surprised at what you’re doing now?)

I used to want to be a primary school teacher, but looking back it was something I was only considering because, like a lot of young people, I wasn’t sure about what I really wanted to do. Having been accepted on a university course to start my degree in teaching, I pulled out at the last minute. My 16-year-old self would be very surprised at where I am now!

Who or what helped you to get to where you are today?

The last two project teams I have worked with have helped me to grow tremendously in my role. They have all been great mentors and continue to keep passing on their knowledge and give me lots of opportunities for development.

Did your choice of subjects/qualifications in school/education help or hinder your ability to get a job in the sector?

I studied psychology, history and sociology at A level. While these subjects do not have any particular relevance to construction, it did mean that I was accepted to do the university course funded by BW: Workplace Experts. 

Have you had to overcome any barriers to get where you are today?

I feel like it has been quite smooth. The hardest part for me was figuring out what I wanted to do. I had an interest in property, but had no idea about the career possibilities until after I left school.

What are the best and the hardest parts of your job?

I most enjoy working with people and being part of a collaborative team. I have made real friendships and can count on the people I work with. They make me want to come to work and make even the stressful times seem easier. Working at BW: Workplace Experts is also never boring or dull, there is always something new to learn.

The hardest part is overcoming project challenges, which can be like a rollercoaster. Everything can be going really well and a solution is found, but then another challenge can surface! As I’m learning and gaining even more experience, I am starting to enjoy the problem solving.

What do you know now about the industry that you wish you had known when you were at school?

That it isn’t all outdoors labour in really tough conditions with only men doing it. I think lots of people at school had this vision of messy and dirty construction sites, which wasn’t very appealing!

As a new starter, what most surprised you about the industry?

It has to be the amount of different career paths and opportunities that there are. It wasn’t until a family friend told me more about the different types of construction apprenticeships out there that I started to understand the possibilities.

What advice would you give someone coming through the school system now about choosing a construction-related career?

To keep an open mind and understand that you will have lots of information to process, but that it’s okay to feel out of place and unsure. Always remember that it is a journey and you will get to where you need to be, and that even those who have been in the industry for decades are still learning and so will you.

What one thing would you change to make it easier for someone to find the right career in the sector?

In my opinion more programmes should exist to help those starting out to explore different roles within a company over a longer duration of time. This will ensure the right fit for those starting out and the company in the long term too.

Any other advice/comments?

Take every opportunity and don’t be scared to get stuck in. I was given the opportunity to go to the United States for two months and work with HITT Contracting as part of the global alliance exchange, an initiative that BW: Workplace Experts and HITT Contracting both do as partner firms on the programme.

It can feel a bit intimidating starting out with so much to learn, but grabbing these sorts of opportunities and having a willingness to learn and ask questions will help to kickstart your career in construction.

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