Profile: Matt Keen the Site Manager

Matt Keen
Management Trainee - Production
Age: 25 yrs
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Computing and Management at Loughborough University, and currently undertaking the CIOB diploma for non-cognate graduates.
Training Title: Non-Cognate Graduate Management Trainee

I decided to link my interest in business studies and computing at university, as it was the peak of the dot.com boom and I wanted to be involved in all that money-making potential. However, after two years of computing and an IT-based placement, I decided that I had made the wrong choice and started looking for career alternatives. During a short stint as a labourer on site, I realised that I had a real aptitude for construction.

What were your reasons for undertaking Willmott Dixon training?
I speculatively applied to Willmott Dixon due to their excellent reputation in my local area, and in particularly their reputation for training. As a non-cognate (this means being qualified, but not in your chosen field) I was unsure whether a company would be willing to invest in my re-training, but Willmott Dixon asked me to apply as they were willing to accept applications from any discipline.

How fierce was the competition for the post?
In the year that I joined there were over 300 prospective applicants, many of them with construction related degrees, so competition was really tough!! I was invited to the assessment days at the company’s head office along with about 60 other potential candidates. The day included several interviews, a presentation, and aptitude and psychometric tests. I was very impressed with how the day was structured. I received a phone call from the Construction Director of Willmott Dixon Housing four weeks later offering me a trainee post which I was very happy to accept!

Do you think that it helps to have certain aptitudes – if so, what do you think they are?
Being a good communicator is key to running any construction project. Construction projects involve the management of the operatives on site and their health and safety, checking that the drawings and information is correct, that there are sufficient materials are on site, and ensuring that everything is done correctly and at the right time. When dealing with so many different aspects, it is important to ensure that everyone understands what you are trying to achieve and works with you.

What is the most challenging aspect of the training?
Upon joining the company I was enrolled as one of the first non-cognate graduates to undertake the Chartered Institute of Building Graduate Diploma for Non-Cognates. This course has greatly complemented my learning on site.

The challenge is the continual but interesting learning curve on site. ...and the most satisfying?
I take real pride in seeing the physical progression on site and the fact that my decisions are influencing the success of the build. When you hand over finished units to tenants, you also get a real sense of satisfaction.

Can you give a couple of specific examples of projects/activities involved in your training?
One of the best parts of my training programme was spending four weeks at the National Construction College at Kings Lynn, taking part in a trade awareness course where we were given the opportunity to experience most trades including bricklaying, carpentry, roofing, drainage and driving some of the big machines! It was good to get an appreciation of the jobs carried out on site.

At present I am responsible for the two flagship blocks on our project. These four storey blocks consist of 55 flats and 9 shops. This involves the management of the sub-contractors and planning the progression of the work.

How much practical and theoretical work is involved?
I spend the majority of my time on site and attend college for 1 week approximately every 3 months. Most of my learning has come from asking questions of colleagues and sub-contractors and watching how things are done. The theoretical aspects of my course complement my practical site-based learning, and regular appraisals ensure that I am always progressing.

When you’ve completed the training, how will that enhance your ability to do your job or help you to progress within the industry?
Willmott Dixon’s training has been very thorough. I feel that my first two years have given me a good foundation to build on. I have been given the opportunity to work on several challenging projects which have helped me build on my technical knowledge and management skills. Every project you work on is very different and provides new challenges. I feel that my training period has given me the confidence to progress further within the company.

What do you plan to do?
In February I will be promoted to an Assistant Site Manager, and hopefully in the next few years, there will be further promotions!!!