From a career in teaching to construction

Before pursuing a career in construction, I was a school teacher. Supporting, mentoring and sharing knowledge with the next generation has always been a passion of mine. I taught PE for five years and enjoyed seeing students grow in confidence and ability. I felt proud that I had a small part to play in ensuring young people have the knowledge and skills to take on the world.

The construction industry provides something similar… the process of watching something transform from an idea into a reality, to stand the test of time. That interest has led me down the path to becoming a quantity surveyor.

People are often surprised about my career change, as there doesn’t seem to be any obvious similarities on the face of it. However, I have come to the realisation that the skills I developed during my time as a teacher have already been of huge benefit to me as I navigate my career path in this industry.

The biggest similarity, believe it or not, is not about being a mediator between client and contractors to ensure everyone stays friends. It is actually the sense of responsibility and fulfilment when something reaches its full potential. Just like seeing a student accomplish something they never thought they could.

Both the construction and education sectors have taken steps in the right direction to support sustainability, each in their own way. In school, improvements to the environment include encouraging recycling, reducing waste, and educating students about leading an environmentally sustainable lifestyle.

Similarly, through both the carrot and the stick approach, the construction industry has responded to environmental pressures and has put actions in place to minimise carbon outputs with a target of 2038 to be net zero, including the implementation of waste management procedures such as reuse, recycling and preventing landfill, use of modern methods of construction and renewables such as PV, heat pumps, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, no gas and even a commitment to only hiring local trades and supply chains.

As a teacher, you want the best for your students, and that is the same for a Quantity Surveyor who wants the best for the community surrounding their scheme. Working on projects, such as Dovestone Gardens in Burnley, has demonstrated the effect that the built environment has on the local community.

Local investment from Burnley-based RP, Calico Homes has resulted in Burley’s first extra care scheme being delivered by a local contractor and supply chain who are based with Lancashire and GM. This project will have a huge impact on its surrounding community, by creating a truly inclusive community which supports and connects our older generation as they pass on their knowledge and experience of the world to the next generation. The circle of life is even experienced in the construction industry if you look hard enough for it.

Top Takeaways

1. Having a positive impact on future generations and leaving a legacy is something we should all aim for

2. Utilising local trades and supply chains to increase local economic prosperity

3. We can all do a little bit more to live an sustainable life and preserve the future of our planet

4. There is no Planet B