One of our newest recruits, civil site manager Paul oversees work on the British Steel Skinningrove site to ensure productivity and standards remain high throughout.
We caught up with him to find out how he’s settling in at WOODSmith Construction…
What is your role at WOODSmith Construction?
I coordinate regularly with my team to achieve the highest standards, work productively and follow a safe system at work.
As a site manager, I am aware that we need to work efficiently to complete a proposed sequence of work, which regularly update and brief the British Steel project managers on. We discuss work and any implications of other contractors’ movements in and around our area, whilst minimising risk and maximising productivity.
I am responsible for ensuring that we complete work packages promptly and highlight any given concerns.
I am also accountable for keeping the lads on track with work, keeping safety paramount and acting effectively should a new obstruction come into play.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
I have a morning briefing with our contractor discussing the work movements for that day with expectations and concerns.
Should items impact work I will communicate with other team leaders to put early warnings and raise awareness to British Steel and arrange additional options if required.
Each day I evidence and record the completed work making sure the team hold a high quality of work and good safety standards.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy working with likeminded people and overseeing the project, knowing that we are building a better future for British Steel and improving their work areas.
It’s great to be part of an ambitious and successful team who are forward thinking and bringing British Steel into the future, in turn creating more jobs.
Why did you choose to work in the construction industry?
I moved into the construction industry during 2013, making a life change from supporting children and young people with disadvantages within the care sector.
I was ready for a new personal challenge and chapter to develop my skills and experiences in life. My father was an established foreman within domestic housing construction, which gave me the idea. I was physically and mentally capable, so I threw myself into the challenge.
I was aware that I could task myself to use my previous learning styles to progress in the field and I’ve never looked back.
What do you enjoy most about working at WOODSmith Construction?
My passion for work is to apply myself to exciting and new challenges, with new learning curves and opportunities whilst working with an experienced and established team.
In 2021, I reconnected with a friend from school. I knew of his working etiquette and professional achievements through hard work and determination. During these earlier conversations about their exciting new projects, I jumped at the challenge to interview and lead one of WOODSmith’s projects. I aspire to do myself and the company proud and look forward to many new experiences to come.
What’s been your favourite project you’ve worked on?
I have been at WOODSmith for several weeks now and have had the opportunity to work at British Steel on the roll lay down area and bandsaw bay.
Please can you give us a brief career history?
In 2005 until 2013 I worked in health care sector with adults living with Alzheimer and Dementia, supporting individuals with challenging behaviour.
I then moved into construction, groundworks specifically, I worked predominantly on variations of front line founds, plots, slabs and services, followed by external work.
I started off working for AW Cowen, Adenglow and Applebridge, with a short spell for CBS and Anwyne trying out different companies and localities. I did a spell at drylining and transport for AWC where I took an intertest to HnS.
Whilst at Applebridge I pursued more challenges in the safety sector with qualifications, before moving into managerial roles. In these positions, I’ve overseen a variety of projects ranging from civil deep drainage to installing section 38 roads, before going back to housing sites, setting them up and finishing them off.
My last stint at ACL was then to establish a high level of compliance and quality of work for several utilities expanding networks for Virgin media in the North East.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A male nurse, then a paramedic.
How do you have your tea/coffee?
Rington’s Tea medium strong with no sugar and blue milk. I also enjoy an American coffee or a latte for a treat!
Do you have any hobbies?
Having a happy family and multiple adventures on a weekend. Visiting the gym to do pad work and martial arts. I also enjoy cycling, walking, hiking and adventure runs throughout the UK.
Stay tuned on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages to see more updates from Paul and the team.
