Phillip Harrison – Prior to joining the construction sector, Phillip accomplished a successful career working in high-end retail. Retail seemed like a natural progression, from studying hospitality and catering at college and then going on to complete a business degree. Phillip’s interpersonal skills were soon noticed, and he began to move up the ladder in his retail career, undertaking management responsibilities for luxury clothing brands.

There was no stopping Phillip’s ambition. He was excited to be progressing in his chosen career. But in 2020, COVID-19 hit and Phillips prospects in retail began to diminish. After facing redundancy, Phillip started exploring new career options. He craved a career that would give him job security and job satisfaction.

What was your career background before joining the construction plant sector? I left school with all my GCSE’s and went to college to study catering and hospitality. From there, I completed a business degree and then started a full-time career in high-end retail. Back then there wasn’t much career advice, so it seemed like a natural step. I loved working in retail and got to work for many well-known designer brands. Customer relations was a natural gift I possessed. I was 16 when I first started working in retail. To work my way up to a management position for a luxury brand is something I am very proud of.

Why did you decide to change careers and join the construction industry? In 2020, like so many others, COVID-19 impacted my career prospects when the retail market took a dive. I was made redundant and couldn’t find work for an extended period. At that point, retail had died. I had lost career direction, and I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was even considering joining the Army.

Living in London, I noticed that construction was still happening. It was all around me. I went online and noticed that companies were still recruiting. I applied for a labouring position and got the job quite quickly. It was never a job I thought I would do. It is so far removed from working in luxury brands, but I wanted job security and to build a career in an industry that was still thriving.

Did you enjoy working on a construction site? As you can imagine, it was cold, wet, muddy and hard graft. A huge culture shock from my previous career. But I was determined. I grafted and worked hard. I wanted to keep growing as a person and find opportunities to move up within this industry. I then decided to train on a telehandler. I paid for this myself. I would then walk to work an hour each way as I was determined to make this career move work. The governments Skills Bootcamps were very new at that time, so I wasn’t aware of the funding available.

Why did you choose to train on plant? There are great prospects and longevity within the plant sector. I am also mechanically minded, so the idea of looking after machines appealed to me. I passed my CPCS telehandler course and applied for lots of jobs, but I struggled getting on site. I was fresh to plant operating so it was difficult to catch my first break. But thankfully, I applied for a role with Flannery, and they were willing to give me an opportunity. The rest is history.

Have you upskilled on any other machines through the Skills Bootcamp? After working for Flannery for a short period, I was delighted when they asked me if I wanted to upskill onto more machines. They put me through the Skills Bootcamp to upskill onto a roller and a forward tipping dumper. The great thing about this industry is the opportunity to develop your skills and progress onto different machinery. It was fully funded, so I didn’t need to worry about finances either. I am so grateful for the opportunity.

What challenges did you face on site. I was a total newbie when I rocked up on my first plant job. Fresh out of training on the telehandler. I was petrified! All the normal fears – can I do this? Have I made the right choice? Should I have joined the Army? But on day 1, I had a Flannery trainer visit me on site, which really boosted my confidence. He told me to keep my confidence up and to ask questions if I am ever unsure.

What transferable skills helped you transition from a career in high-end retail to construction plant? I think one of the key skills you need to work on-site is – people skills. You need to be able to get on with people. Be approachable and willing. My years in retail were all about customer relations, so this element of the job was natural to me.

What skills have you developed as a plant operator? Working as a plant operator, you do also have extended periods working on your own. You have a task to do, and you might be inside your cab with minimal communication. I have had to get use to that – but I have learnt a lot about myself in the process. I am more inquisitive than ever. I’m a better problem solver. Reliability is also a big factor in construction.

Did your labouring experience help you progress onto plant? Labouring for a year (having my boots on the ground), really gave me insight into the industry and helped me progress into plant.

Do you think the Skills Bootcamp is a good route into the industry? The Skills Bootcamp is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking to start a career in plant. Whether you are changing careers, just starting out or returning from a career break. To get high-quality training and a guaranteed interview on completion, really sets this route apart from the rest. As I said before, it was hard getting my first gig after passing my telehandler training a year ago. It also cost me a lot. But with the Skills Bootcamp, you are supported every step of the way, with employers who are willing and wanting to give new starters a shot!

All of that for no cost!

Are there any barriers to entry? There aren’t any barriers into this industry. At first, I thought there would be a stigma that I didn’t have the experience behind me – but that couldn’t be further from reality. People are willing to help. Everyone started somewhere and there is respect for that.

Would you recommend construction as a good career choice for others? The good thing about construction is that there are so many different career pathways. I started as a labourer only a couple of years ago. I have since progressed to a plant operator. I have now upskilled further onto more machines. It feels like there are no limits to progression. Working with plant has changed my life. I am happier than I have ever been, I can pay the bills, and I feel like I have job security as there are so many opportunities out there.

What misconceptions about construction do you want to break-down? I want to break-down the misconception that construction is unskilled, or for people who are uneducated. I have a degree and have worked in management positions – but changing careers was the best decision I could have made. If you invest in yourself and apply yourself – progression is almost guaranteed. You hit a glass ceiling in many other careers, but in construction, opportunities are endless.

Have you made the right career move? Construction has been a rewarding career move for me, not just offering steady work, but also an opportunity to grow, learn and contribute to shaping communities. For me, construction is about building more than just structures. It is about building a future and being part of something that will stand for years to come.

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