Success in Construction
I gained good GCSE grades at school and then decided to take vocational subjects – a double award in business studies and Vocational A Level in ICT. After this, I went to Liverpool John Moore’s University for the BSc in Quantity Surveying.
At first, I didn’t really know which course to choose at university but I knew that I didn’t want to leave home. I had always had an interest in building and I liked the idea that things are constantly changing. I definitely didn’t see myself working in a boring office job from 9 till 5! What also attracted me to the construction industry is that there are very few women and I felt it was time for a change! I saw the quantity surveying course and thought it looked interesting so I talked to my Dad who is a surveyor and he told me about the industry.
I started at John Moore’s as a full time student but after the first year, it became clear to me that I could be sponsored by a company and attend college just one day a week. This option really appealed to me as I could gain experience of working in the construction industry, complete my degree and be paid at the same time! I now work in Manchester for an international construction company. Although I am based in an office, I usually go out on site about 3 times a week for a couple of hours.”
What attracted me to the Construction Industry is "There are very few women and I felt it was time for a change"! by Jodi Stockton.
More Success in Construction
“For my work experience in school, I went to a company who introduced me to CAD, (computer aided design). This was totally new to me and really excited my interest. Gradually, I began to consider other courses as well as A levels. I noticed that the construction course included CAD so I sent in an application.
At my interview, the tutor explained the course content to me and also the routes that I could take after the course. As I was already thinking about higher education, I was pleased to find that after this course, I could go onto a degree or if I could find a relevant job, I could enrol for the Higher National Certificate in Construction. This means that I could earn and learn and not get into debt which would be the case if I studied full-time for a degree.
At present, I am in the final year of my National Diploma in Construction and I hope to be able to take the HNC next year, but first, I have to find a job. My tutor is helping me to do this and I have already applied for a trainee quantity surveyor and trainee architect positions".
My advice to other young people is - "Investigate all the options. I waited until I had finished my exams in Year 11. I now realise that I was lucky to find the right course so I would advise other young people to think about their career plans much earlier". by Paul O'Connell.
For more success stories in Construction take a look at the Careers section on Aim Higher Greater Merseyside website.
For more information, contact your local Connexions Centre.
SET womens resource
This is the official website funded by the Department of Trade and Industry as part of their Strategy for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology and has information about careers for women in science, engineering and technology.
b Constructive
In Construction there are so many careers to choose from, that it can be difficult knowing where to begin. This site makes it easy for you to choose the career that's just right for you.
