Any business is only as good as its workforce, which is why MGM Construction continues to invest in the next generation of talent. As the company strengthens its presence in key markets such as new build and healthcare, we are also expanding the team.
We talk to two employees who are earning while they’re learning to find out their thoughts on joining the construction industry.
1. Patrick Cooper, trainee quantity surveyor
Patrick has been at MGM for two years, meaning he is now halfway through his chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship course in quantity surveying.
“I was at university full time, but I found I just wasn’t enjoying it,” he says. “It wasn’t hands-on enough for me, so I changed to something more practical and engaging. The degree apprenticeship offered at MGM is a great opportunity to earn an income whilst completing my degree simultaneously.”
Patrick is mentored by quantity surveyor Jack Hall and Chris Evans, MGM’s commercial manager. “They have both been really helpful since day one and I love how my role is structured here,” he says. “I get to see projects through from start to finish, which is really rewarding.”
Patrick is also enjoying the variety of work he undertakes as part of a fast-moving and dynamic North East construction company. “In this role I get a lot of experience in different facets of the job,” he adds. “I’m not just doing quantity surveying; I’m involved in estimating as well. Our team works closely with the contract managers and project managers, so I see different facets of the business.”
He works at MGM four days a week and attends university on a Friday. In his spare time, he plays sports including rugby, cricket and golf. “I’ve never been one for sitting around,” he says. “I think that is why I also enjoy working at MGM as it is challenging and stimulating. MGM also has a great team ethic – everyone gets stuck in and we all help each other work towards same goal.”
2. Amber Ord, apprentice accountant
Amber is part of the way through an 18-month, level 2 apprenticeship with MGM Construction, working as an assistant accountant. The 17-year-old started out at college but realised that the classroom was not where she wanted to be.
“I did a year of business studies at college, but I realised I didn’t want to be in a classroom any more. I wanted to learn in a real-world environment.
I always wanted to be an accountant as I’ve always enjoyed maths and been good at it,” she says. “I looked for available opportunities and applied for this role at MGM and luckily I was successful.
“Everyone here has been really supportive; they are a very friendly bunch and it is a great place to work. I am involved in lots of different processes such as invoicing and purchase orders and am learning so much. I especially enjoy learning new skills and processes and I hope to continue developing here in the future.”