With National Careers Week taking place this week (March 7th – 12th), we decided to interview three members of the team; Stuart Loader, Contracts/Commercial Manager; Ashley Williams, Assistant Site Project Manager; and Charlie Hazeltine, Assistant Site Project Manager to find out how they came to work in the construction sector and what aspirations they have for the future…
How did you get into construction?
Stuart:
I worked in the sector during a summer holiday whilst I was still at school. I enjoyed it so I looked for a job in the industry and got a job with a small Contractor Developer spending time with differing trades.
Ashley:
I discovered my passion for construction when I was young. I have always loved seeing the process of a project from start to finish whether it was on a TV programme, or a local scheme in my area.
Charlie:
I got into construction through a lot of perseverance and determination. I started my working life as a mechanic, but I found it difficult to make the switch to become a trainee site manager as most companies required a trade background. I then came across Pexhurst who were willing to support me with time, effort and training to assist and help kick-start my career in construction.
Did anyone inspire you to get into construction?
Stuart:
No one person in particular inspired me, but my role in construction during my school’s summer holiday opened my eyes to the sector.
Ashley:
I got myself into construction by always being intrigued to understand how phases of a project came together, from tendering to completion.
Charlie:
My main inspiration was, and still is, my eldest brother Dan who is a Senior Project Manager. Hearing his stories about the sector and how each day is different gave me the drive to try and follow in his footsteps.
What do you think has been the best thing about working in construction so far?
Stuart:
There is a huge variety of contracts to work on which means you get to go to new places and meet new people and trades all the time. Two days are rarely the same.
Ashley:
My favourite part of the construction industry so far is that on a daily basis I am working with my colleagues, learning and understanding as much as I can about each trade and job!
Charlie:
The variety that each day brings. Every day is different in this industry and there is so much to learn. Every day really is still a school day!
Did you have any pre-conceptions about the construction industry before you started your career?
Stuart:
Yes! I thought it would be dirty, wet, and cold. I was surprised that it had so much more to offer; I have seen the inner workings of army bases, prisons, police stations, schools and hospitals. It has been fascinating.
Ashley:
Yes, when I started in my site management career in the construction industry I thought I would be seen as an inexperienced colleague. However, I could not have been more wrong. All my colleagues can’t help me enough to progress in my career.
Charlie:
I was surprised about the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes in construction. There is definitely a lot more work involved in construction than just a few lads wearing a hard hat and hi vis!
If you could say one thing to your younger peers who are looking to choose their career path, what would it be?
Stuart:
Gain qualifications to reduce the chance of being restricted in what you want to do.
Ashley:
I would advise my younger peers to be always ready with a fresh mind each morning ready to learn something new.
Charlie:
Go for it! Go for it and be confident in what you do, whilst knowing when to hold your hands up. I would also recommend an apprenticeship route. Earning whilst learning is worth its weight in gold!
What are you most looking forward to in the next few years of your career? What aspirations do you have?
Stuart:
I enjoy the rewards that you get from presenting a quality product to an appreciative client. This to me represents a commercial success for the company.
Ashley:
I’m looking forward to being faced with new challenges as I progress. I will take small improvements from each project so at the next step in my career I can deal with any problem and situation put in my way.
Charlie:
I am looking forward to finishing off my HNC in Construction and the Built Environment and being on site full time. I would also like to push myself forward for Pexhurst’s more prestigious projects.
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