PROFILE
GILBERT-ASH SITE ENGINEER CONLETH SMYTH, ONE OF THE YOUNGEST-EVER MEMBERS OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF BUILDING, OPTED TO ENTER THE CONSTRUCTION TRADE STRAIGHT AFTER SCHOOL AND HAS NEVER LOOKED BACK… A trade can take you anywhere in the world
What was the motivation behind achieving CIOB membership at such a young age? I wanted a professional qualification that didn’t require years of study. I believe experience is more valuable than a course/degree, so I knew I could achieve chartership. I looked into part-time university courses, but they would have required five years of study on topics I already knew through experience or had no interest in; then factor in the thousands of pounds of debts. Some of the benefits include thinking I’m cool because I can put letters after my name and getting respect from other construction professionals. It also looks good on my CV. Have you completed any other further education qualifications? Gilbert-Ash has put me through a number of courses including the NVQ L6, Temporary works Coordinator, SMSTS, first aid, crane rescue and fire warden training. Most of these courses are essential for my role. The NVQ mostly involved demonstrating experience, while the SMSTS helped with understanding my role and the importance of health and safety. Regarding further study, I’d like to have a browse through the courses CIOB offers as part of being a chartered member. Do you have any plans for further study or career progression? I’d like to learn more about commercial/ contractual management with my current company. In terms of career progression, I’m focused on finishing my current job this year before I make any drastic changes, but the only way is up. I think an engineering background is the best base for a site manager or contracts
Keen to share his story and encourage other young people into the trade, Conleth Smyth is an advocate of gaining hands-on experience in construction. Coming to the end of his school days during the pandemic, Conleth decided an online degree wasn’t for him and started off in the trade as a bricklayer. The decision has paid off and, only a few years later, he is employed as a site engineer with Gilbert-Ash and is one of the youngest-ever members of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Speaking to NI Builder, Conleth outlines his own career path and aspirations: What made you decide to pursue a career in the construction industry? I’ll blame my father for the decision, but it worked out alright. He had me on private jobs since I was a kid. I always loved helping and getting to use the tools. He brought me with him on days off school and during the summer holidays. I think Covid also had an influence, as I decided not to go to university because I didn’t want to do an online course. I was happy enough laying bricks and bringing in money. A university degree doesn’t guarantee a job, but a trade can take you anywhere in the world. I knew if I put in the effort with a trade, I’d always have a backup plan, and I would have the freedom to do whatever I wanted. Tell us about your current role I’m currently working for Gilbert-Ash as a site engineer, which requires a lot of communication and collaboration with the other people on site. The total station is my best friend on site for my lines and levels. A lot of my job includes supervising the work, maintaining the programme and producing relevant QA/ as-built surveys.
“I knew if I put in the effort with a trade, I’d always have a backup plan, and I would have the freedom to do whatever I wanted.”
manager role, as I understand the full construction process from start to finish. I recently bought my own total station which I’ve been using on local jobs, and I’d like to do my own freelance setting out in my spare time. Eventually I’d like to buy a few properties for renovation or sites to develop. How can the NI construction sector attract more skilled workers? Construction needs a push in schools. Too many young people feel like university is the only option; I know a lot of people that have experienced this. There’s nothing wrong with taking a year out
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