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Women in Leadership
Name: Imogen Jacobs
Role: Trainee Site Manager
Company: BAM Construct UK
A bit about you: I have been in the Construction Industry for a little over two years and I am currently working as a Trainee Site Manager for BAM Construction in Dartford Kent, building a £36 million Secondary School for the Department of Education. Alongside working on site, I am studying for a degree in Construction Management sponsored by BAM.
What is it like working in your company? Working for BAM is very challenging but also very rewarding. BAM have a great young careers team and they are willing to invest in the individuals who work hard and demonstrate the company core values. It is a very open and collaborative workplace and my colleagues are always there to help me and push me to achieve.
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field? I decided to take a gap year after I completed my A levels in June 2019. In October 2019, I joined BAM as a site-based Document Controller. During this time, my interest in the construction industry and the various job roles on site grew and I was fortunate enough to gain some practical work experience.
I decided that site management was the role for me as I Ioved how it incorporated so many aspects of the construction process into your everyday work life. For example, site managers are responsible for the Health and Safety of others on site, so I am always ensuring that the hundred plus operatives are adhering to the Health and Safety Regulations and BAM minimum standards. I also enjoy the responsibility I have in ensuring appropriate quality records are being produced and monitored to verify that works are being completed in accordance with the specified requirements. Other aspects that I find interesting include managing direct and subcontract labour, keeping site diaries, reporting on progress and understanding design and drawing details.
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position? I started with BAM as a Document Controller and completed a Level Three Apprenticeship in Business Administration. During this apprenticeship, I became increasingly interested in the construction processes and wanted to move onto a site-based role.
After working on site as a Trainee Site Manager for 6 months I decided to apply for the BAM Degree Apprenticeship programme, this required three A-levels from A-C (including one in a facilitating subject). Although, experience and interest in the industry is what an employer will always consider highly.
What do you enjoy the most about your job? I enjoy the fact that my job is extremely rewarding when handing over a project to the client; seeing how grateful they are to now own what you have built for them is a lovely process and you know the hard work was all worth it. I enjoy the fact that the project I have helped to build will leave a positive legacy to many people for years to come.
Another aspect I enjoy is the constant change. I am always meeting new people, learning new knowledge, and witnessing change within the build every day. I enjoy the fact that, depending on the programme, I do not work in the same area or on the same project for a long length of time which keeps the role fresh and exciting.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career? I feel that the main obstacle that I have faced is having to communicate new practices, laws and methods to operatives who may have been in the industry for many years and therefore can find it difficult to accept instructions from a younger person. I have learnt that leading by example and adopting a consistent attitude to the issue, I have gained the respect of the operatives.
Why do you think it is important to have a strong female representation in your industry? It is important to have a strong female representation in the Construction Industry as I feel a gender- balanced work environment can be very beneficial in any role but especially one that requires a lot of problem solving such as Site Management. A more diverse team can provide fresh approaches and different strategies and I feel the construction industry is evolving rapidly to become a more diverse workplace.
What advice would you give those wanting to take a similar career path? There are so many options and career paths in the construction industry, my advice would be to gain some experience on site and get a ‘feel’ for what interests you most whether that be an engineer, management, design or quantity surveying. Construction is hard work, and you work long hours, although very rewarding it is important you feel passionate about the job.
Always ask questions, there is so much to learn, and the site team are always happy to help. Study the construction drawings and always ask your Project Manager or Design Manager if you are unsure.
