Honestly, it was when I was on my first ever placement. I was managing a metalwork package, and one of the first items installed was a set of steelwork supports for a trapeze in the gym. This was the first thing I had ever managed on site. At the time watching the guys do a pull-out test on the support, I was thinking, “I can do this, I can get something built!”.
All the projects I’ve been on have had great teams. On my progression from graduate to where I am now, I’ve had a number of mentors and senior engineers to support me. I’ve been impressed by the ease of colleagues adapting to different means of communicating with me due to my deafness, particularly as I can’t answer the phone!
Be honest with yourself and others, if you do not have the experience or knowledge regarding a particular item, someone else will. Don’t be afraid to ask.
I think a sense of humour and an ability to pick the right battle. A key factor in the success of a project is the relationships built between all members of the project team - client, consultants and sub-contractors.
I like to see what each day brings and any new opportunities that arise. Currently, I am looking to achieve chartership with the CIOB which I’m working on through the company PDP scheme.
The Millennium Dome. Although it was built nearly 20 years ago, I was actually involved in its opening. I got to try out all the children play areas inside whilst construction was going on. You can imagine how exciting that was to a 7 year old!
A second family.
