My route into construction … Dan Lewis, construction director at Momentum

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

I started with Momentum Build in January 2023. My role involves the overall accountability for delivering a specific business plan for Momentum Build, a division of the Momentum Group. This includes ensuring that the business achieves a certain turnover and profit margin while delivering successful projects for both new and repeat clients.

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

My initial ambitions were heavily influenced by my family. Both my grandfather and father were in the construction industry and my uncle owned a construction company, so it was something that undeniably ran in the family!

When I was around 13 or 14, I was taken to a building site and introduced to a site manager. I think my 16-year-old self knew that I was heading towards a career in the industry.

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

Hard work has paid off. I focused on my GCSEs, which helped me to get onto the right college courses. I also gained valuable work experience while still at school, volunteering during my school holidays when my friends were having fun. Additionally, being surrounded by motivated people in the industry inspired me to set and pursue ambitious career goals.

A key moment in my journey was when someone in the industry took me under their wing when I was 16 years old. They helped me to map out a clear path: two years in college, followed by a two-year HNC Course and a three-year project management degree, all on a day-release basis, while also working on site for the remaining days of the week.

From the outset, I had a clear plan, which made all the difference.

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

My qualifications definitely helped. Getting my GCSEs allowed me to enter college, where I could focus more clearly on construction-related studies. In particular, the national certificate I earned helped to establish my basic construction knowledge.

I have noticed a difference between those who completed full-time university education and those who, like me, gained experience through a day release where I was working for a construction company. I am a strong advocate for combining work experience with education – it’s crucial for securing a job in this sector.

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

Yes, I have faced several barriers. Early in my career, I was often the youngest person on-site in a management position, which meant I sometimes encountered resistance from senior colleagues. They would often tell me how to do things, which wasn’t always easy to deal with.

Overcoming these challenges required strong leadership skills, as well as the ability to use the right language and tone in these situations.

What are the best and hardest parts of your job?

The best part  is handing over a project on time and seeing what we have achieved. For instance, the Gravity MAX fit-outs in Liverpool ONE and Westfield Stratford were particularly rewarding.

The hardest part is dealing with issues beyond my control. Sometimes a project runs over budget or time, and managing client expectations becomes difficult.

Breaking bad news, especially regarding delays and budgets, is never easy; but clear communication is key to any project.

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

I wish I had known about the various types of construction techniques. The diversity of techniques and innovation in the industry is surprising and something I find fascinating today.

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

What surprised me the most was the level of quality control and the number of checks that need to be carried out. There is so much more that goes on behind the scenes to deliver a successful project than people realise.

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

The opportunities in construction are vast — you have so many options to get into the industry. My advice would be to gain on-site experience as early as possible.

It is important to remember that you will often need to follow the work, which can mean being away from home for long periods. However, I would always recommend a career in this industry to anyone interested.