My route into construction … Jack Norkett, senior project manager at RED Construction

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

I have been working in construction for 16 years now, having started when I was 16 and straight out of school. I did a carpentry apprenticeship and worked for a main contractor, who let me work with carpentry sub-contractors wherever possible, and I always jumped at the chance.

Now, I am a senior project manager. My responsibilities include advising clients, managing project teams, resolving challenges, leading communications and managing project finances. The seniority of the role has given me the opportunity to work on some of RED Construction’s biggest projects.

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

My dad worked in construction as a project director, and from watching and talking to him I developed the simple ambition to follow in his footsteps. If you are hungry for it, the construction industry is full of opportunities, and you are able to learn so much from people with a great deal of varied experience.

I think my 16-year-old self would be proud to see that I have got this far and am  now working on so many impressive projects, 

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

Without a doubt, my dad helped me get to where I am today, which is funny given that I only ever worked on one project with him. He is where I get my ambition from – but I got the majority of my experience working with colleagues who trained and mentored me during my younger years in construction.

I honestly don’t think I could have become a senior project manager at RED Construction without all the support I got along the way from those around me, especially from those who instilled confidence in my ability. I have had the opportunity to work alongside the directors, business owners and sub-contractors that I looked up to when I was younger and have found that full-circle moment to be incredibly rewarding.

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

I finished school straight after GSCEs, and then started an apprenticeship in carpentry with a main contractor. On smaller projects, I worked directly with the management team, supporting and assisting the project teams, depending on the stage of the works. This was incredibly insightful in terms of broadening my understanding of the industry.

After three years of dedicated work, I completed an NVQ Level 3 in carpentry and started moving my way up the management chain, followed by my completion of a national diploma in construction and my HNC.

Another great thing about construction is how hands-on it can be, and during the nine years spent at my first company, I jumped at the chance to undertake any training I could. Supported by those around me, I was able to feel confident in my ability and gain a breadth of experience that extended further than I could have got by reading booka.

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

I have been lucky to not have faced any particularly big barriers, but growing up I did find it challenging joining the company my dad worked for. As an apprentice, the prospect of working alongside established professionals was incredibly daunting and I would always find myself second-guessing my ability.

However, with the support of those around me, I do believe this helped me grow in the long run. Having people trust in my ability made me feel accepted and allowed me to foster strong relationships with those I looked up to. 

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

The best part is all the milestones and accomplishments along the way. With a two-year project, it isn’t just finishing the scheme, as there are lots of small milestones throughout and it is important not to forget the significance of every single one.

Also, the feeling when walking visitors around the projects that you have dedicated so much time to is incredibly satisfying. For example, we recently completed works on 80 New Bond Street, which is such an iconic building, and to know that we at RED Construction played a part was very rewarding.

There is the potential for great success in construction – and it is important we continue to recognise this.

The hardest part for me is when plans cannot go the way they were intended to. I always love finding ways to overcome a challenge and stay on track, but there are times when you feel like you are driving so hard for a solution or way forward with little success. However, while it can be challenging to remain positive, this is where our bespoke approach at RED Construction serves us well, as we are able to offer fitting, collaborative solutions that help achieve the goals we work towards with our clients.

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

I wish I had understood and appreciated the role a main contractor plays in the wider property industry. Main contractors are essential players in the sector, and the job possibilities are endless.

The construction sector is one of the largest in the UK and employs up to three million people – about 9% of the country’s workforce – and I wish young people had a grasp of just how many opportunities there are out there.

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

I was amazed by just how much success and growth you can experience working in construction. Across the industry, whether you work in management or in a specific trade such as gas engineers, welders, stonemasons, I remember being really taken aback by just how much those who work in this industry do.

There is no such thing as a silly question; if you are unsure of anything, always ask. There are always people on hand to point you in the right direction.

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

A construction-related career offers a wealth of opportunities, and I would encourage anyone considering it not to be deterred by common misconceptions. My experience, even with areas that are not my natural strengths, has shown me just how rewarding and dynamic this field can be.

My advice would be to take your education seriously and maintain strong professional connections. The industry, while vast, can feel surprisingly close-knit as you advance, and networking plays a key role in long-term success.

Most importantly, find an area within the field that truly excites you. There are countless specialisations, each requiring different skill-sets, so there is plenty of room to find your passion and excel.

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

Giving young people the chance to get first-hand experience early on is incredibly important. Ideally, it would be beneficial to create more opportunities where they could move from sector to sector, in order to explore all the options and identify which path suits them best.

I personally found the opportunity to take on early work experience within the industry to be incredibly impactful.

Any other advice/comments?

Approach the role with a desire to learn and take on the advice you are given, as those who are delivering it have your best interests at heart. The industry is one that thrives on collaboration, so it is important not only to support others but to allow yourself to be supported.

Additionally, some of the best lessons learnt come from mistakes made along the way. I have worked with many individuals from across the industry who have guided me through challenges in different ways, and all had something new to teach me.

There is also no such thing as a silly question; if you are unsure of anything, always ask. There are always people on hand to point you in the right direction.

We all start somewhere and it is our responsibility in this industry to help those around us grow. The more you grow, the more self-assured you become.