A FORMER builder has cemented his future job prospects by retuning to the classroom.
Mature student James McGregor laid the foundations of his future career after completing an HNC in building studies at Darlington College.
James, of Redmire, Wensleydale, has now managed to secure a quantity surveyor traineeship with Interserve and is now working full-time for the multinational support service and construction company.
“Living where I do its either working in the trades or farming,” said James, 31.
“I worked for a small business based in Hawes, which employed five builders. Due to the nature of the company we did everything ourselves, renovation, conversions, new builds and roofing, which meant I had no actual formal training.”
After eight years in the industry, and with a wife and two year old son to support, James decided he wanted to better his career prospects and approached Darlington College for help.
“I was going nowhere so I just went for it,” said James. “The college was very helpful. My practical knowledge helped me with some of the subjects but there were a lot of things that I had never really had anything to do with.”
At the three quarter point of his two year part-time course James was approached by Darlington College tutor Ian Blackhall who informed him that construction company Interserve were looking for a keen mature student to start as a quantity surveying trainee.
James is now an assistant quantity surveyor with Interserve working at GlaxoSmithKline, Barnard Castle, and in his 4th year studying a BSC Hons Degree at Northumbria University.
“My experience of going back to college was positive,” said James. “If you want to progress in the construction industry I would recommend the HNC as it gives you a sound knowledge and is something larger companies look for as a minimum.
“Self-funding isn’t easy but you need to look at the bigger picture. I saw it as short-term loss for long-term gain.
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
