My route into construction … Daniel Parker, cost consultant at MESH

How long have you been working and what is your current job?

I have been working in the construction industry for nearly five years. I joined MESH Construction Consultancy at the age of 18 as the 13th team member and since then we have grown to a team of 33.

This coincided with the start of my apprenticeship at Anglia Ruskin University. Before securing the role at MESH, I reached out to different companies and attended a couple of interviews before being offered the opportunity to join the team – and I’ve never looked back.

My current role as a cost consultant involves working closely with project leads and clients, attending site visits, preparing detailed cost reports, completing valuations, estimates and so on. I have had the opportunity to work across a range of sectors, including healthcare, office fit-outs, and data centres, supporting major clients such as Primary Health Properties, HdWE, Diamond Light Source, Digital Realty, Vodafone and Harrow School to name a few.

What were your first career ambitions? Would your 16-year-old self be surprised by what you’re doing now?

Absolutely! My 16-year-old self would be very surprised – at that age, I wanted to become a tennis coach. However, looking back, I wouldn’t change the route I  decided to take, and I am proud of what I have achieved at 22, especially, having passed my APC on the first attempt and becoming a chartered surveyor.

When did you first start thinking about a career in construction, and why?

My interest in construction developed through hands-on experiences working with my uncle, a plumber, and later with my dad who has also enjoyed a career in the construction industry. At 17, I spent a few weeks doing work experience in an office setting, which gave me a taste of the real world of construction and sparked my curiosity in the built environment.

Who or what helped you get where you are today?

I have been fortunate to be surrounded by supportive people throughout my journey. My dad introduced me to the world of quantity surveying, and I learnt a lot from friends at university during my degree apprenticeship. The apprenticeship route was ideal for me, as it allowed me to study while gaining on-the-job experience.

At MESH, my APC mentors were instrumental in my development. Their support, through structured guidance, Q&A sessions, mock interviews, and reviewing submissions has helped me to successfully pass my APC and become chartered. MESH has built a fantastic support system that really encourages and empowers professionals at all levels.

Did your choice of subjects or qualifications help or hinder you in getting into the sector?

I always enjoyed maths in school and my BTEC diploma at sixth form gave me the opportunity to get into university and choose the degree apprenticeship in quantity surveying.

Choosing the degree apprenticeship route definitely helped. It allowed me to study part-time over four years while gaining invaluable work experience. It gave me hands-on insight into the industry alongside academic knowledge.

Going down the apprenticeship route also gave me the chance to work with and learn from experienced professionals early in my career, not to mention graduating without being in debt, which was also a big plus.

Have you had to overcome any other barriers to get where you are today?

Starting my career during the covid-19 pandemic was a challenge. I began my role at MESH and started university at the height of lockdown. Remote working and online lectures weren’t how I imagined my first year would look but I wanted to persevere.

As restrictions eased, I found that I much preferred coming into the office and getting a better balance between office life and in-person learning.

What do you know now about the industry that you wish you’d known at school?

While I was lucky to be aware of the construction industry thanks to my dad, I wish I had had a better understanding of the variety of roles within it. Construction is a broad field with many different disciplines, and everyone works in their own way. It would have been helpful to know more about the different career paths and how they align with different skills and interests.

What are the best and worst parts of your job?

The best: Working with an amazing, close-knit team at MESH, where collaboration is a core value; gaining cross-sector experience through working in a smaller consultancy; seeing a project through and knowing the client is happy with the outcome is incredibly rewarding.

The worst: Each project presents its own challenges, and unforeseen risks can sometimes create setbacks; it is also always a little bittersweet when a great team project comes to an end.

What advice would you give to someone in school considering a career?

Start with what you enjoy. Whether it’s working with numbers, problem-solving or being hands-on, explore how that might fit into a career. Look into apprenticeship options, as they provide valuable experience while you earn and learn. Speak to people in the industry, attend career talks and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Most importantly, be determined and work hard to achieve your goals. There is no one right path – find the one that suits you.

What one thing would you change to make it easier for someone to find the right career in construction?

Navigating the degree apprenticeship route can feel overwhelming, especially when you are just starting out. That’s one of the reasons I have volunteered with Construction Youth and have taken part in their career talks with different schools, to help encourage and spread awareness of the construction industry and my specific role.

Any other advice or comments?

Never give up. There are countless opportunities out there – you just need to find the one that’s right for you.