13 Sep Career Story – Rio Main (Trainee Project Manager)

Rio Main, Trainee Project Manager shares her career story:

What is your background and how did you get into Construction?

I had always wanted to go to University to study Law, however, when I finished my A-Levels in 2016, I was unsure which route to take. I didn’t want to take on lots of debt, without knowing that law was something that I really wanted to do.

I continued working in retail, until one day I decided that I needed to do something more challenging that would provide me with better opportunities to progress, both personally and professionally. I joined WWA after noticing an advertisement for a Business Administration Apprenticeship.

I undertook the Level 3 Extended Business Diploma over the course of a year, whilst working as an administrator. During this time, I was able to develop my skills and demonstrate an eagerness to progress.

At the end of my Diploma, WWA offered me the chance to become a Trainee Project Manager and undertake a BSc (Hons) Degree in Quantity Surveying via an apprenticeship route, which I accepted!

Tell us what the day job looks like?

No day is the same! The workload is very diverse and that’s what makes my job so interesting!

I am currently working on the St Erth Multi-Modal Hub (StEMMH) project for Cornwall Council. As a Trainee Project Manager, I am assisting my colleagues in delivering this highly complex infrastructure scheme. My duties involve assisting the Project Managers with managing design approvals, change requests, document control and liaising with the local community. I am currently based on site, which has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to see the project come to life.

What is the apprenticeship route like?

I highly recommend the apprenticeship route to anyone! I am able to work whilst undertaking my studies, which I think is beneficial as you gain on-the-job experience.

Would you recommend a career in construction to others?

I would definitely recommend a career in Construction.

Although I never saw myself in this industry, I have found it to be incredibly interesting and rewarding. When you see everyone’s, hard work coming together as a team to deliver a project, you really feel like you are making a difference.

There is a range of job opportunities within construction and the industry is growing at such a rate that it needs more young people to grow with it!

Why did you choose to start your career in Cornwall?

I have always lived in Cornwall and I decided that I would prefer to stay at home, where all my friends and family are. As such I wanted to progress my career within the county.

A lot of young people move away to study or find work; however, we need to encourage them to stay in Cornwall to help grow the local economy. There is a lot of potential and opportunities to progress.

What are your aspirations for the future?

Having recently started my BSc (Hons) Degree in Quantity Surveying, my aspirations are to finish the course and achieve a high grade.

Through gaining knowledge and experience working alongside the Project Management team, I hope to progress and develop. I really want to push myself to achieve the success I have always wanted, and I feel that WWA can support me in doing this.

If you are interested in careers in construction, please visit our current vacancies page.