With National Careers Week recently taking place, promoting the importance of career support and guidance, we caught up with Thompsons’ Jack Hayes to find out how completing an NVQ is helping him learn and develop in his role as assistant project manager.
Can you describe your role at Thompsons?
I have been working at Thompsons for just over a year now. The role of assistant project manager is quite varied; I am managing projects on the Rosas workstream, ad-hoc projects for Burnley FC and I also survey potential new projects that are in the pipeline. I mainly work under Ben Bradford as he is the Operations Manager for Rosas. Given his vast experience and skillset, I am learning every day.
You’re currently completing an NVQ Level 4 in Site Supervision – what’s involved in that and how will it benefit your role?
It gives me good insight into the role of Site Managers, their responsibilities and the challenges they have to deal with on site. This enables me to work hand in hand with the site management teams and supports me in my job role as I know what’s happening at ground level.
The Level 4 also allows me to upgrade my CSCS Gold card and provides me with a platform to continue my higher education. You can take up to two years to complete the course, however I am looking at obtaining my certification in the next month. This will hopefully provide the platform to continue my educational journey in construction.
What are your career aspirations?
To continue educating myself further and improving in all areas of my job. As long as I continue improving on a day-to-day basis, I hope my career will progress naturally.
Is there anyone in particular at Thompsons who is providing guidance/support in terms of your studies and CPD?
I have received a lot of guidance and support from several people. As I’m still early in my career at Thompsons I’m always looking to learn from more experienced people and utilise their skillsets. I’ve received a lot of support from several people; Ben Bradford has offered a lot of guidance, while Shane Blackburn and Carl Johnston have assisted me with commercial queries and challenges.
Would you recommend an NVQ to others looking to progress their careers?
Definitely. This qualification is mainly evidence based so it works in line with my job role. The work isn’t admin heavy either which allows me to complete the work outside of my working hours without feeling overwhelmed.
