One to watch: Jason Walsh, member of CIOB Chelmsford Hub, talks to CM about his career so far.
Why did you choose construction as a career? What else might you have done?
Construction runs in my family – my grandfather, father and cousins have almost all worked in the construction industry, so I spent my summer holidays working on construction sites.
I had a keen interest in electronics and computers, and I was also playing sports at a competitive level, so initially I thought that one of these would have been my chosen career path. I even attended college for a brief period studying computer science, but I found myself longing to be outside in the fresh air, working with my hands.
What do you love about the industry and what would you change?
I love working on complex and impressive construction projects. Seeing the finished product gives me a great sense of pride. However, I would change a few things if I could. First, I think there are sometimes too many processes, which can cause confusion and slow things down on the job site.
Second, I believe health and safety rules should be the same for all contractors. Right now, different companies have different requirements for PPE, which can be confusing and potentially dangerous. It would be better if everyone followed the same guidelines.
What are your career ambitions?
To continually improve my management skills and use my knowledge to help others grow in their careers. As I progress, I plan to take on more challenging roles that allow me to expand my expertise and make a greater impact within the organisation.
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy staying active and spending quality time with my family. I love boxing and practise Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When I’m not working on my own fitness, I dedicate time to coaching football with my kids.
