Abbie Griffiths is an apprentice engineer and Level 4 construction site supervisor, at Tilbury Douglas.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone enrolling onto a construction apprenticeship?
To try and do a placement and not necessarily pick an industry category. If, say, you have chosen QS, also ask if you can try management as well as estimating; you might find that one sector is actually more suited to you than you expected. Give each sector an equal opportunity.
What was your favourite project to work on over the course of your apprenticeship?
The one I’m on now: Beacon Academy. It’s the biggest job I’ve been on. It’s got lots of different methods of construction.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the construction industry at the moment?
Carbon footprint is probably a big one in the industry. Materials and people on site, where the materials have come from and logistics. I don’t think there are as many local suppliers as maybe there could be.
What would be your dream project to work on in the future?
I am enjoying the schools, but I do enjoy refurb too. With a refurb, you’re bringing something that already exists to a better standard that can be reused again. So I would say I’d probably like to work on quite a large refurb of either a school or a hospital – something that’s going to help the community.
What are your future career ambitions?
I’d like to become a site manager and then from there go into project management or contract management. I think just following my job role step-by-step up.
Are you planning on pursuing any other qualifications?
I am currently enrolled at university doing my degree in construction management.
