A newly-qualified Assistant Site Manager has taken the next step towards a career in construction after securing a graduate role within Esh Construction.
Kieran Pemberton, aged 21, joined the site team at Hexham Bunker in July this year after finishing his degree at Northumbria University. Working within Esh’s commercial build division on the £10 million re-development of a former nuclear bunker, Kieran delves into his background before Esh, how he is finding life after university, and shares his advice for anyone who may be considering a career in the industry.
What is your background before you started at Esh?
I studied at Northumbria University for three years and graduated with a BSc Construction Engineering Management degree this summer. When I think back, I should have progressed into construction straight from school aged 16, but back then, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. Upon leaving school, I went to sixth form to study engineering, but it was mainly mechanical-based engineering.
It was a careers fayre which led me towards construction as I was given the opportunity to complete a work experience placement on a refurbishment scheme, which I really enjoyed.
The pandemic prevented me from getting out on live construction sites during my degree, but now I’m here at Esh, I’m loving being on site.
How are you finding Esh and site management so far?
I started at Esh at the beginning of July this year. I love it, I’m really hands on with the day-to-day site operations and the team have been a great help – the combined experience of other managers on site will stand me in good stead for the future.
Learning in a site environment is invaluable for my experience and progression – it is quite different to learning in a classroom.
What is a typical day like for a Graduate Assistant Site Manager?
I am responsible for inducting staff to work on site, checking work permits and I look after the sub-contractor coordination meetings. I am out on site a lot providing assistance to sub-contractors and helping them out with any queries they may have with drawings. I like to have a real hands-on approach.
What would you say to a young person who is considering a career in construction?
My best advice would be to ‘get stuck in’ and push yourself out of your comfort zone, try something new, that’s what I did, and I’ve secured a great opportunity with Esh.
What are your future goals?
I aim to get better every day. I come from an academic background and I’m keen to learn on-the-job now to eventually work my way up to Site Manager, and then aim towards further progression opportunities in the future.
I started at Esh at the beginning of July this year. I love it, I’m really hands on with the day-to-day site operations and the team have been a great help – the combined experience of other managers on site will stand me in good stead for the future."
