The assistant design manager with Kier Construction Southern is looking forward to broadening her project experience. And to Halloween.
How did you get into construction as a career? What else might you have done?
I initially left school after completing my GCSEs and explored opportunities in a different industry. However, after some time I started a new course at college to study carpentry. When I was looking at courses, carpentry stood out as a way to develop skills I as introduced through during my Resistant Materials GCSE course.
It was during my time studying carpentry that I developed a strong interest in the wider construction sector. Once I completed the course, I was accepted onto Kier’s Degree Apprenticeship programme.
I started the programme with the intention of becoming a site manager, however, through time spent on site I started to become interested in design. After expressing my interest, I was given the opportunity to transition into a design role and to date I have progressed into an assistant design manager role.
If I hadn’t found a career in construction, I think I would have gone into a role in the special effects make-up world. Random, I know but I am creative person and love turning ideas into something real – a bit like helping to turn a design for a project into something in bricks and mortar!
You did the Kier Degree Apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam – how was that experience?
I thoroughly enjoyed the Kier Degree Apprenticeship programme. Over the course of five years, I successfully completed Levels 4, 5 and 6 with a 2:1, while gaining valuable practical experience in my role. The structure of the programme suited my learning style exceptionally well, as it combined periods of study with full-time employment, enabled me to continue contributing to the project while applying my learning directly in the workplace.
As with any apprenticeship programme, balancing work, life, and my studies was a challenge. What helped was having a mentor throughout to help and a supportive line manager to help me balance it all and develop professionally and academically.
I enjoyed the opportunity to spend block weeks at university with my peers. It felt like the best of both worlds to get a taste of university life whilst gaining experience in my day job and avoiding any student debt!
Tell us about your current role? What are the rewards and challenges?
My current role is an assistant design manager at Kier Construction, and at the moment I am working on a school extension project. On this project, I am leading much of the design management with support from a senior design manager – but day-to-day I am the go-to person for all things design on site.
This responsibility has strengthened my confidence, enhanced my leadership skills, and reinforced the value of the support I receive from colleagues across the business.
In addition to design management, I actively support Social Value and Wellbeing initiatives on site and across the wider business. I also mentor T-Level students during their industry placements, providing guidance throughout their off-the-job learning and supporting their development within the construction industry. This includes helping them establish professional LinkedIn profiles and growing their network through professional organisations such as the CIOB.
What are your career goals?
At this stage, my career aspirations are not primarily focused on progressing up the organisational ladder. Instead, I am focused on broadening my experience by delivering a diverse range of projects for different clients and gaining exposure to various project types, enabling me to continue developing my skills and expertise.
You’re very active in the construction community. Why?
When I was younger, I never felt like construction was an option for me – but I have found a brilliant and rewarding career in the industry. I feel like by being involved in the construction community I can help bring our industry to more people who could also thrive here.
As well as being heavily involved in mentoring, I am an active member of CIOB Maidstone’s Hub Tomorrows Leaders after being nominated for the Emerging Talent Award at the CIOB Maidstone Hub annual Dinner back in 2023.
Through the programme, I have benefited from valuable networking, CPD opportunities and Student presentations, while being part of a supportive group of professionals who encourage each other’s personal and professional development.
What changes would you like to see in construction?
When I completed my GCSEs, I was unaware of career paths such as design management, planning, site management, and quantity surveying. I believe there is an opportunity to engage with students at an earlier stage to raise awareness of the wide range of roles and career pathways available within the construction industry.
Early engagement helps young people make more informed decisions about their future and could encourage more students to consider careers in construction that they may not otherwise have been aware of.
What do you do in your spare time?
I spend time with family and friends or unwind with a good book or movie.
I also like to do special effects make-up, so Halloween is a fun time of year for me!
