Thomas Machin

Role: Project Manager

Myself

I joined Schofield Lothian’s graduate training programme (GTP) in the summer of 2005 after completing a BEng in Construction Management. The variety of Schofield’s business and the scope of the GTP has meant I have taken on a variety of roles including bid management, site engineer, commercial and project management.

Schofield encouraged and supported me to take the Chartered Institute of Building's own professional development programme (PDP), providing me with a senior member of staff as a mentor. As well as being able to get full membership to the Institute, I feel this has provided me with added technical ability and skills in communication, information handling and decision-making.

Recently I was awarded a scholarship by the Chartered Institute of Building to undertake an MSc Construction Project Management.

The varied projects that Schofield’s gets involved in has certainly increased my knowledge of the industry due to the different roles I have taken on and this has given me a more sound knowledge of the construction process as a whole.

My Role
My current role is as Project Manager with Connect Plus. My primary responsibilities cover the successful implementation of motorway improvement schemes.

Connect Plus is a consortium comprising of Balfour Beatty (40%), Skanska (40%), Atkins (10%) and Egis Road Operation UK (10%). Connect Plus has been appointed to design, build, finance and operate (DBFO) the M25 project.

This role demands a particularly pro-active stance and has helped me develop my technical, re-sourcing and leadership skills, all of which I rely on greatly in the role.

My Work
Primarily I support the Senior Project Manager on various schemes throughout the network some of which include, Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and Dartford Tunnel Renewal Works.  The role requires co-ordinating the overall performance of CPS programme of works, ensuring the management of risks and third party interfaces and the preparation of clear and concise works notices, detailing scope of works of services required.

The atmosphere within Schofield Lothian is great and my line manager is very supportive. Schofield Lothian has a friendly, approachable management team and they have offered me a rewarding career to date, with a variety of roles and locations. The most memorable has been the reconstruction of the Waterloo and City Line with Balfour Beatty Rail.

This industry is ideal for someone who is methodical, a good communicator and likes a challenge (bit of a cliché, but true!). And the advantage of working for a consultant is that you also get to work with a broad client base on varied projects.