Site Agent - Martin Black

Martin Black,
Age 31

Qualifications
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

What encouraged you to join the construction industry?
Whilst at school I went on a work experience placement to an Engineering Consultants. I found the work enjoyable and decided to pursue this as my future career. The part of Engineering which inspired me was that I could become involved in a project from conception through to the finished product.

What do you do day-to-day?
I manage the running of the construction site, so everything from Health & Safety, budgeting, client liaison to making sure the work is carried out on schedule and to the right standard - it's a balancing act of so many different factors. I really get involved in the bigger picture, it's hard to describe, but it involves keeping a lot of plates spinning at any one time!

Can you give an example of any recent projects you have been working on?
The Sheffield Inner Relief Road Stage 2 involving the completion of the Inner Ring road around Sheffield City centre. The scheme was worth around £35 million and required the construction of numerous major structures including bridges and retaining walls.

I've also been involved in the Building Schools for the Future initiative. I have managed the construction of a new access bridge to carry the construction traffic in order to reconstruct Newfield School in Sheffield. Communication was a key factor in for the scheme due to the location and nature of the work. I kept the school informed about what was going on and briefed the pupils about health and safety.

If you were to recommend your job to someone else, what would you say?
If you enjoy a challenge and you don't mind putting in the work to reap the benefits then go for it because the rewards can be massive. Every day is not the same. Not many people can say they've built a bridge.

Where would you like to take your career in the future?
Abroad - I'd like to broaden my experience and the opportunities are great. For now I aim to progress along my current path to a project management role and beyond.