This it graduate is on a fast-track to receiving the ciob qualification. He is among the first group to pilot the programme, a two-year block release course for people already in construction jobs
My original course of study was computing. However, after spending a year out working in IT, I knew it wasn't for me. I had to put some real thought into what I wanted to do.

May 2002
During a break from university I worked for a number of local building firms and found the work really interesting. I've always been a fairly hands-on person, and the thought of working on different projects and working outdoors appealed to me far more than being chained to a desk. I discussed the idea with friends in the industry, and their only warning was that I would be entering a field with no prior experience or education.

January 2003
Upon returning to university I made up my mind. I'm a bricks-and-mortar bloke, not cut out for software and desktops! A mate at my local rugby club suggested that I make a speculative application to Willmott Dixon as the company had a great reputation.

February 2003
I was invited to attend the Willmott Dixon Recruitment and Interview Day with 20 other candidates. The interviews went well and I left feeling confident.

April 2003
I was finishing my dissertation when I received a call from a Willmott Dixon senior manager. He asked me if I could start in August at the group's housing division as a trainee site manager. I got the job!

I plagued the site team with questions

Matt Keen

June 2003
I met with the housing production director in order to discuss my new position. I was asked to work in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire on a Willmott Dixon Project called 'Peartree Estate'.

Willmott Dixon then offered me the chance to be one of the first candidates to enrol on the new CITB/CIOB postgraduate diploma in construction, which will help me to gain membership of the CIOB. This struck me as a major opportunity to get some serious career progression. The route, of course, is tailor-made for people in my position.

August 2003
I started my new job, and attended the corporate and management trainee inductions. I am delighted with the initial training – my site team has allowed me to plague them with questions! I have also been able to take part in all aspects of site management, from setting-out to dealing with subcontractors.

Source

Construction Manager

Postscript

Next issue, Matt Keen describes a week-long boot camp induction to the industry at the National Construction College