Owen Parry
Trainee Project Coordinator
7+ months industry experience
On completion of his Business Management BA (hons) Degree from John Moores University in Liverpool, Owen set out to pursue his goal to begin a career in the construction industry and was offered a job with the team at Knights Construction Group.
Seven months into his trainee programme, Owen enjoys every aspect of his new role and is continually gaining industry knowledge from his colleagues within the business. In the short time that he’s been with Knights, this integral experience has proved instrumental to both his personal and professional development and both Knights and Owen personally are thrilled with the progress shown since he started.
A quick Q & A with Owen
How did you get into Construction and what attracted you to the industry?
I became interested in construction through speaking closely with friends who were already working in construction. I also did a lot of research during my time in University on the industry and it quickly became something I was very interested to pursue.
You’re currently studying for a HNC in Construction and Build Development. How long is the course, what have been the highlights so far and do you use the opportunity to apply your studies ‘in industry’ through working as a Knights trainee?
The HNC course at Coleg Cambria is a two-year course. I’ve enjoyed learning about different kinds of construction from a variety of residential, commercial and industrial schemes that the business has been involved in delivering. The course has helped me broaden my knowledge greatly on construction in general, which in turn has helped my problem-solving skills in work.
What do you aspire to be doing in five years’ time?
My personal aim would be to project manage a project independently and to have a degree within construction. I’d also like to play a key role within Knights Construction Group and help the company to continue to grow within the industry.
What is your favourite thing about working in the construction industry?
The variety of the work involved, from office hours to being on site which is something I enjoy greatly. Starting off with a blank surface and ending with a fully built construction is something very rewarding that I enjoy being a part of.
What excites you about the direction in which construction is headed?
I’m very interested in how sustainability will continue to be applied within the industry. To see how new innovations can provide an eco-friendlier way of building big construction projects will be interesting.
What are you learning ‘on the job’ from your colleagues at Knights? Have you acquired any mentors and if so who and what have they taught you?
Problem solving, programming, and people management are the main things I’m learning on the job currently. Ryan has been a fantastic mentor to me at Knights, providing me with excellent knowledge on how to continue to develop my understanding within construction and people management.
Which division of the business most interests you and why?
It would have to be the agricultural side of the business. It’s been a fantastic starting block for me personally and allowed me time to develop at a great pace. Plus, the sites are always in lovely locations in the countryside!
What have been your biggest highlights/lessons learnt during your time at Knights Construction Group to date?
I’ve enjoyed being a part of the site management team on one of our poultry sites near Wrexham. I really feel as though I’ve learnt an incredible amount every day, being around experienced site workers has been instrumental to my overall knowledge. Two key lessons I’ve learnt are – never assume anything and always be one step ahead with planning.
How do you like to switch off when you’re not working?
I enjoy road biking and going to the gym, I’ve always been keen on my fitness.