Matt Keen, Willmott Dixon's non-cognate graduate, is on an accelerated route to CIOB qualification. In his third diary instalment for CM, he continues his steep learning curve
27 November 2003
Willmott Dixon recognises the achievements of its Trainees at an annual awards event held in November each year. This event showcases company projects and philosophy and in particular applauds the high standard of nominated trainees.

This year the event was staged at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire. The day started with a presentation by our Housing Innovations Director, followed by a site visit to a light steel frame project in North West London. The project was of specific interest to me as it is an Accelerated Programme – similar to the project I'm currently working on. I took the opportunity to ask as many questions as possible during the tour.

After the visit, we returned to Stoke Park for a formal lunch. During the luncheon I sat with other trainee colleagues and the chairman, Rick Willmott. This is typical of the open and approachable philosophy of the company leaders, and is a pleasant change to some of the more traditional types of company that I have experienced.

Presentations were followed by a speech from one of the business's key partners in Housing. The day was a good experience and I think that it reflects positively on a company when they invest so much time and commitment into their future managers.

December 2003
December has mostly been spent on site assisting in the planning and supervision of the various trades. The project is now at the stage where the timber frames are ready to be fixed, and floor construction and screeding is to be completed on the remaining blocks of flats and houses. I try to spend as much time outside, even if the weather isn't always that brilliant. I now feel as though I'm making a real contribution to the team and that I'm starting to harvest real results.

Matt Keen

Matt Keen is a trainee site manager for Willmott Dixon Housing. After five years at Loughborough University studying Computing and Management, he decided on a change. This month, Matt hob-nobs with colleagues at the Willmott Dixon Trainee of the Year dinner, a good networking opportunity. He even got to meet the company chairman!