Case studies : Assistant building manager: Reece

Reece graduated in 2006 with a degree in construction management and works as an assistant building manager for Willmott Dixon Construction.

I graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2006 after studying on a full-time sandwich course in construction management. I work for Willmott Dixon Construction as an assistant building manager and am currently working on a £5million swimming pool and fitness centre project.

My degree course was highly vocational and led me directly into a career in construction. The fact the third year of my degree was spent on industrial placement with Willmott Dixon also helped me secure my current job. The placement went really well and I gained a lot of additional knowledge and experience which paved the way for me returning to work with Willmott Dixon after graduation.

I also worked part time throughout university with my dad who has a building business. This gave me experience and something to add to my CV to show my commitment to a career in construction.

During a typical working day I spend my time carrying out site inductions, monitoring health and safety, ensuring quality standards are met and maintained, instructing all the subcontractors and making sure all the different trades are working well together. I monitor that the work is being carried out to schedule and regularly update building schedules. I am also involved in problem solving and finding solutions to building issues that arise. Other duties include carrying out reporting duties, and attending and reporting at site meetings, progress and coordination meetings.

Studying a construction degree gave me a basic foundation for starting a career in the industry. Study at degree level also helped me to develop problem-solving skills and the ability to analyse a situation and decide on the most effective course of action.

My job is really varied and interesting most of the time. I particularly enjoy the fact that I get the chance to build something from scratch and see the end result.

Managing lots of different subcontractors on site and ensuring they are working productively and harmoniously together can be quite challenging, but this is an essential part of the role.

My advice to others interested in a construction career is to prepare yourself for a very busy time, working long hours and keeping to deadlines, but with the knowledge that you are helping to create a building/facility that many people will use.