Construction manager at GIR Services, Ben Chalk MCIOB, discusses pursuing chartered status and the pursuit of excellence.
Why did you choose construction for a career? What else might you have done?
The combination of hard work and managing complex processes drew me toward the industry. I started as an apprentice at 15 and progressed to co-owning a chartered construction consultancy advising clients on all levels. I would’ve become a mixed martial arts fighter.
You were the youngest ever chartered member. Why did you want to pursue MCIOB status?
I have always very strongly believed in education and my own responsibility to advance in my own CPD. The CIOB is an organisation whose principles stand for progressing in your career by educating yourself and achieving milestones.
MCIOB status shows the clients that all the CPD learned, and experience built up over the years, is tried and tested. It reassures not only clients, but other stakeholders in projects to know that they are working with people at the highest possible professional level within our industry.
What do you enjoy about this industry?
I enjoy completing a project and visualising every detail related to getting to the finishing line. I enjoy directing all different stakeholders, professionals, and relevant people for the outcome of creating a space that is used to enhance people’s lives in many ways.
What are your career ambitions?
To keep building bigger, better and more efficiently. I also strive to keep a clean record of health and safety. Because of my pathway to where I am today, I can relate to each and every level operator on site and fully understand their concerns.
How do you spend your spare time?
I’m an avid accordion player and I do a considerable amount of mixed martial arts. I also volunteer in a local shelter for youngsters in NEET (not in education, employment or training). I like to relax, but also give my time to help youngsters in a lesser situation than myself.
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Ben, let me commend your effort towards understanding your set-out part in the industry earlier and pursuinant in achieving them.
Your status as an MCIOB is a clear outcome of harwork to CPD. Mostly organized by the Chartered institute of Building.
See you at the TOP….Ben
Really Inspiring, a.abigail
Ben,
Great story to read, well done and most inspiring.
Congratulations on achieving your MCIOB at such an early age. Your drive to continue education through CPD and also help NEETS is great to hear…keep it up.