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“I am encouraged that a number of organisations are putting initiatives in place to promote graduate schemes and apprenticeships"
Richard Smith, FCABE, CABE Vice President and Head of Standards, Innovation & Research at NHBC
Have you always had an interest in construction or engineering?
Yes – I was always fascinated by buildings and would watch builders near to my home building new houses. I also loved carpentry and I had my first carpentry tool kit when I was four years old. When I left school, I became a trainee carpenter and joiner for a small local family company making bespoke joinery products.
What was your route into the profession?
In reality, I enjoyed carpentry as a hobby. Two months’ employment in this sector involved too much sanding, wood shavings and dust! My mum saw an advert in the local newspaper for the position of a YTS trainee (building control) and requested the application forms. Neither one of us knew what building control was. I went for an interview at North Warwic
kshire Borough Council and started my role at 16. I was really lucky – I worked in a small team who all gave me a lot of time and support. After eight years I moved from one of the smallest building control teams to the largest, at Birmingham City Council.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Think long term not short term, which is really difficult when you are 20 and have no money. Remember that this is a career and not a job, and although there are those that will support you in your career, it is down to you to take those opportunities. Setbacks are opportunities to learn and improve.
Read full article on the Building Engineer website here.
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