The director/senior building surveyor/project manager at Academy Estate Consultants and vice-chair for the CIOB Chelmsford Hub Committee talks about his love of construction and the importance of training.
Why did you choose construction?
I always enjoyed helping my dad undertake various DIY tasks – I liked the sense of accomplishment that came at the end. As a teenager I also liked the idea of working with my hands. So I trained as a carpenter when I left school and the rest is history.
You’ve made rapid progress in your career: MCIOB and vice chair of Chelmsford Hub in a short space of time. What are your goals for your career?
I am very fortunate to have been surrounded by team members that inspire me. I made a decision very early on in my career that I would make the most of opportunities put in front of me and take it as far as I can.
Since becoming chartered, I have thought long term about fellowship. As well as being in a position where I can implement positive change. Right now I am focused on my role at a regional level, but I hope one day to help the profession at a national. And maybe, international level.
What do you love about this industry and what would you change if you could?
I love that no day is the same. Projects I run vary in size and complexity. It keeps me wanting to continuously challenge myself and grow as an individual.
What frustrates me is some people’s attitude towards the training and mentoring of the next generation. When I started, my outlook on the industry was formed by those people around me. I think it is so important that those responsible for the training and mentoring of apprentices and graduates not only remember what it was like to be in their position, but to also be the person they would have wanted teaching them when they started out.
What do you do in your spare time?
I spend a great deal of my own time involved in one way shape or form within the industry. However, I also make time to attend the gym four to five times a week. I competed at a regional body building competition in 2019 and would like to compete again in the near future.
