Richard a high flyer in construction

LURGAN man Richard Dawson has landed a top job as Site Engineer at Heathrow Airport in London.

Richard is currently working on the new Terminal Two building and associated infrastructure.

Richard explained his role: “In my current role as a Site Engineer I am responsible for ensuring that the various elements are correct to drawings and specifications, ensuring they are placed in the correct location and that the various elements work together and are stable in the temporary condition.

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“I ensure sub-contractors are working to our requirements and prepare various reports for the client. I order materials and ensure they arrive on site before they are required.”

A former student of Craigavon Senior High School, Richard moved to Southern Regional College after his GCSEs to complete the National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment and followed this up with a three year HND in Building Engineering including a year’s industrial placement. On the course Richard studied a wide range of modules which gave a good sound knowledge of the construction sector.

Since leaving SRC with his HND in hand, he went on the study for a Degree in Construction Engineering and Management at the University of Ulster, even though he admits he always said University was not for him. On completion of the degree he entered full time employment with Laing O’Rourke as an Assistant Civil Engineer at Heathrow Airport before being promoted.

Would he encourage others to go into an industry that has seen such a slump? “Yes, definitely,” said Richard. “There is evidence of the industry starting to make a slow recovery in the UK while other countries around the world such as Australia are booming! A major concern in the industry today is the ageing workforce, as construction in general is not attracting young talent. I think with this in mind, now is a good time to make the footing for a career in construction”.