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
How long have you been working and what is your current job?
I have been in construction for 19 years and running my own business for 14 of those. In my current job I manage the business rather than actually doing the technical work and I manage everything from people to sales and marketing to finance.
What were your initial career ambitions? (Would your 16-year-old self be surprised at what you’re doing now?)
My career ambitions were always to run my own business, and I was very heavily driven, so I don’t think my teenage self would be surprised at where I am today. Pleased, but not surprised.
Who or what helped you to get to where you are today?
I started out as an apprentice and did day release at university, and I think the apprenticeship definitely helped me on my way in the industry. As for learning about business, that has also been education based, through books, podcasts, self-development, coaches and mentors.
Did your choice of subjects/qualifications in school/education help or hinder your ability to get a job in the sector?
Going down the apprenticeship route definitely helped. It meant I knew what I was going to be doing – and doing the actual work itself while I learnt helped me a lot in my education. I was working in a company doing the tasks I was being taught to do on paper in class. The two went hand in hand.
Have you had to overcome any barriers to get where you are today?
There are challenges all the time in this industry and in the economy. There are always barriers to business. When I first started my business in 2010, the country was in a recession. The industry wasn’t massively in demand, and I had to work hard to stay in a job.
What are the best and the hardest parts of your job?
The best part now is seeing people progress, learn and develop. It’s great to see people become more creative and skilful in what they do. The hardest part is finding the right people with the right attitude who want to be the best version of themselves.
What do you know now about the industry that you wish you had known when you were at school?
I wish I had learnt more about people management earlier. That is the key to success in a lot of areas of life.
As a new starter, what most surprised you about the industry?
The diverse nature of construction, how many different things get built by different specialists and how big the industry is. When most people think of construction, they think about residential buildings or office blocks, but construction incorporates pretty much everything you walk on and everything you can touch.
What advice would you give someone coming through the school system now about choosing a construction-related career?
I think it’s a great industry to be in and it offers lots of different career choices for different types of people. When you come into the industry, you will be able to find a role to suit your skills whether its trade, design or structural. There is something for everyone, no matter what your strengths are.
What one thing would you change to make it easier for someone to find the right career in the sector?
We need more apprenticeships and routes into market for new starters.
Any other advice/comments?
If you have the opportunity to get into an apprenticeship in construction, I think that route was one of the things that led to my success. I was working live on site while I learnt, which helped me to get a much better understanding of the industry.
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