Construction Planner - Vanessa Jeffrey

Vanessa Jeffrey,
Age 25

Qualifications
HNC in Construction

What encouraged you to join the construction industry?
I initially wanted to be an Air Hostess and did an HND in Tourism but realised after looking into it more that it wasn't the right career for me. I then got a job at an engineering firm where there wasn't much progression so I joined AMEC as a Construction Planner and haven't looked back since!

What do you do day-to-day?
I monitor the process between planned and progress on a build. I'm involved in progress reports and changes and reporting these to management. I have a good mix of being both in the office and out on-site.

What's it like working in a man's world?
It can be challenging, because you deal with lots of people who have been in the industry a long time you need to be super confident about your abilities and in communicating to others. This only makes me more determined though to prove how successful I can be.

Good bits and bad bits about your job?
It's a very involved job and because of that you get to know what's going on at every stage of the build. I get to work both on-site and in the office and AMEC have provided me with a laptop which means I can work flexibly. They are also really supportive of training and development and of my career progression. There's also lots of opportunity to work abroad which has got to be an incentive! I can't really think of any bad bits.

If you were to recommend your job to someone else, what would you say?
“It's a great career and very challenging. Try and get work experience if youcan to get a real idea about working in the industry and if its for you. If you are a good communicator and like organising things then Planning would be a good career option. You have to be confident in your abilities and in your dealings with others in the industry and not to feel daunted by the stereotypical view of the industry!

Where would you like to take your career in the future?
“I've been assigned a mentor and we're currently working through a career plan for me, once I complete the HNC in Planning I would like to progress to Senior Planner. I'd also like to get more on-site experience or become a Site Manager, the opportunities are available its just deciding what's right for me!