Graduation Award winner Steven improves career prospects and family time with his children

After completing A Levels in Chemistry, Maths and Art & Design back in 2006, Steven went straight into an electrician apprenticeship but, following the birth of his children, who are now seven and five, he sought a career change that would mean he was around the home more often.

Leaving behind a “life on the tools", Steven managed to secure a job as a Property Surveyor with the Northallerton-based Broadacres Housing Association and, with that switch in profession, came the obligation to enrol on York College’s HNC in Construction Management for England (Site Supervisor) course.

It was a requirement that precipitated a little trepidation in Steven, given how long had passed since his last formal education, but he need not have worried, as he excelled during his studies and gained a Distinction in the Level 5 qualification.

On that achievement, he said: “It felt absolutely amazing to graduate at York Minster. It’s been a difficult journey and I never thought I’d step back into a college or education at my age, but it’s been a great experience at a great college with great tutors and classmates.

“There were certainly some sacrifices and I’ve had a lot of help along the way, but I’ve ended up with a Distinction, so all the hard work has paid off. Education has changed so much since I was last part of it so, when I started, I just wanted to get in and out and aim for a Merit at best but, then, I realised that I could possibly push myself to get a Distinction and I’m glad I did.

“Most nights I was working until 8pm or 9pm at night and, as much as I enjoyed doing the course, I feel a certain relief that it’s done now.”

On how the HNC course came as part of a life-changing decision, aimed at improving his family life, Steven explained: “In my previous job as an electrician, I was working away from family on the tools a lot. We had kids who were at the rugrat stage – they’re still only seven and five now – so I was missing a lot of critical time with them.

“I took the risk of completely changing career direction and was lucky enough to get a job as a property surveyor. With that came the option to work more locally and it was the company’s suggestion that I went on the HNC course.

“They have put one or two people on the course over the past few years and received really good feedback on it. The new job and course were away from my general expertise and niche, which was the electrical industry, and they require a more broader understanding of the construction industry, but both have been great.”

On stepping back into Higher Education as a mature student, meanwhile, Steven reasoned: “It was daunting at first, stepping back into a classroom for the first time in 17 years, but I’m glad I did it. What an experience!

“I met some great people and I feel I’ve really lucked out to have a HNC in my back pocket now.”

Steven has also left College armed with a whole bath of new skills, acquired during the two-year course that is supported by the Institute of Technology - the Government-funded body who lead in the provision of high-quality, higher-level technical education and training across a range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) occupations and industries.

The course covered eight units in Construction Technology; The Construction Environment; Legal & Statutory Requirements in Construction; Financial Management & Business Practices in Construction; Construction Design Project; Digital Applications for Construction Information; Surveying, Measuring and Setting Out; and Site Supervision & Operations.

All will have proven highly beneficial in Steven’s burgeoning new career, where he currently ensures 7,000 properties are maintained to a lettable standard.

Just as valuable, however, was the boost Steven has received to his communication skills during his time spent in the classroom.

“I’ve not done a lot of public speaking or been in team leader roles, but a lot of work on the course involved presentations, where I had to stand up in front of everybody,” he pointed out. “I never had to do that as an electrician but, knowing that I can now, has given me a lot of confidence because, in team meetings at work, I do have to stand up and talk a bit.

“It’s pushed boundaries for me and got me out of my comfort zone. The tutors also kept everything fun, enjoyable and interactive and all the eight modules we did were really interesting.”

To learn more about our HNC in Construction Management for England (Site Supervisor) course, please click here

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