Henry Allen, management trainee with Borras Construction and L4 construction quantity surveying technician
Which technological advances in the sector are you most excited about?
More software systems that speed up construction processes in management, such as an electronic take-off; onsite items like drones, so we can monitor site progress and we can easily distribute this; and more efficient systems is what I'm looking forward to.
What was your favourite project to work on over the course of your apprenticeship?
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At university, I took part in a team exercise - “build a bridge” project. I learnt lots about structures and how loads need to be spread as well as presentation skills.
On the job, I really enjoyed my rotation in estimating. I priced a full refurbishment of a golf clubhouse, which was really interesting and challenging. Again, more presentation skills learnt in presenting to directors and adjudications.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the industry at the moment?
The economy. Over the past few years since Covid and between changing governments, there is a lot of uncertainty. Finding work now for main contractors is probably the hardest it's been. Clients don't have the money to afford big works at the minute, so there's such a lack of tenders and enquiries. When they do come, all the contractors are tendering so cheaply and competitively, so they actually win the work, which then has a knock-on effect for everyone else's profit margins. It's so hard to get a market strategy at the minute.
What was your biggest challenge during the apprenticeship?
When I was having to balance work as well as End Point Assessment. I was having to complete my assessments while also sorting out my portfolio of evidence and getting the presentation sorted and simultaneously pricing three jobs worth about £1.2 million.
What are your future career ambitions?
Short term, my goal is to achieve my degree and then begin surveying my own projects, working on these big jobs in teams and gaining lots of experience. My long-term goal is to have my own construction company, starting off small in private residential work and eventually building it up. I really like fit-outs and refurbs, so I'd love to push that into high-end jobs.
