The difference between what I learnt at university (bending moments, fluid dynamics, geology) and what works I was helping manage on site became apparent very quickly.

Live Construction Site

There was a sea of abbreviations and processes I had to learn to understand what was going on. If I didn’t have the great mentors who helped me navigate through my initial years in the world of main contracting, I’d have been even more lost.

Still, I found it necessary many times to educate myself on terms and abbreviations I’d never heard and also to learn ‘what normally happens’ through the design

and construction’ phases.

I read a few books which were recommended to me but this helped marginally, Google was my best friend. To my surprise, there wasn’t a user-friendly concise guide available explaining what processes are usually followed within the construction industry.

The aim of Const Guide it to reduce the number of people that feel the same as I once did and fast track the learning process. It is by no means a complete guide but aims to give prompts on what to look out for.

Coming up to 8 years in industry and being promoted to Project Manager in year 7, I am more comfortable sharing what I’ve learnt through my site experiences.

The posts will also draw on knowledge and advice from managers with more experience and specialist subcontractors.