As a Management trainee my role currently means that I spend time in different departments as part of a job rotation scheme. This is preparing me to become a more astute and experienced construction manager.

In my day to day work, I assist my line manager with tasks that need to be completed to specific deadlines. I take any possible opportunity to learn and research areas of construction. As I work closely with more senior management, it is a guided and structured learning environment, which helps with management skills. 

Be willing to work hard and strive for more and you will enjoy a rewarding career in the construction industry.

Case study
Category Information
Based UK
Employer Willmott Dixon

What company do you work for and what do they do?

I work for Willmott Dixon Ltd, who are a construction, housing and property service company who deliver projects from design through to completion. 

I’ve realised that persevering with what I wanted has now rewarded me with a career, which I worked hard to get into and one that I am proud of.

Darryn Skinner

Construction Management Trainee

How did you get into construction? 

After finishing secondary school, I stayed on to 6th Form community college to complete my A-levels. I then went to university and completed a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Building Surveying. After completing the course, I decided to go into full-time employment and defer my studies.

When I joined Willmott Dixon, I was given the opportunity to continue my studies part-time alongside working through the Management Trainee Scheme. I’ll be graduating this year with my Honours Degree in Construction Management. 


Tell us a bit more about what you do. 

As a Management trainee my role currently means that I spend time in different departments as part of a job rotation scheme. This is preparing me to become a more astute and experienced construction manager. In my day to day work, I assist my line manager with tasks that need to be completed to specific deadlines. I take any possible opportunity to learn and research areas of construction. As I work closely with more senior management, it is a guided and structured learning environment, which helps with management skills. 


What is your favourite thing about your job? 

My favourite part of the job is that you can learn something new every day due to the variety of work I do and the challenges working construction brings. 


What is the highlight of your day? 

When I can reflect on what I have learnt at work, I am able to appreciate the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained, and that’s something I’m really proud of. 


Where do you want your career to take you? 

I want to become chartered after I complete my degree and get MCIOB (Member of the Chartered Institute of Building) status. I want to career to progress into Design Management once I’ve completed my Management trainee scheme. 


What advice would you give to someone thinking about a career in construction?

I would say be prepared for it. Be willing to work hard and strive for more and you will enjoy a rewarding career in the construction industry.

If someone could take anything from my own story, it’s that mine is a story of my determination, belief and willingness to work within the construction industry. My role is one that I really enjoy and find engaging. It took a lot of searching and effort to find the right opportunity for me, so I’ve realised that persevering with what I wanted has now rewarded me with a career at Willmott Dixon, which I worked hard to get into and one that I am proud of.