My route into construction … Michael Oppong, commercial management trainee at Willmott Dixon

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

I have been with Willmott Dixon for three years now, coming up to four years in my degree level apprenticeship. I am currently in my fourth year of university and working as a commercial management trainee. My role focuses on the commercial and cost management side of projects – I support the team with valuations, cost planning, procurement, and reporting. It’s a great mix of hands-on project work and academic learning.

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

Originally, I wanted to become an estate agent. I thought it would be an exciting and potentially successful career path, though looking back, I didn’t really know much about construction at the time – I mainly associated it with property sales rather than delivery.

My 16-year-old self would definitely be surprised to see me working in construction as a commercial management trainee. It’s quite a shift from wanting to be an estate agent! But I have found this career to be much more rewarding and impactful than I initially imagined.

There is something incredibly satisfying about being part of creating buildings that serve communities for generations.

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

It actually started in year 10, after I completed my work experience at a real estate firm. I quickly realised that being an estate agent didn’t excite or challenge me as much as I had expected – it felt quite transactional. That experience made me want to explore other industries where I could have a more hands-on, impactful, and creative role.

That’s when I discovered construction and, through an Open Doors event at my secondary school, I learnt about the opportunities on the sites such as quantity surveying for example. The idea of being involved in actually creating and delivering buildings, rather than just selling them, really appealed to me.

Who or what helped you get where you are today?

Independent research played a huge role. I took time to really explore what careers would suit my interests and skills. Reading the book 80,000 Hours was a game-changer for me, it highlights how impactful a job can be over a lifetime and pushed me to choose a path where I could make a meaningful difference.

But it was the opportunity to look in person behind the scene at the Oasis Arena through the Open Doors initiative that helped me to realise that construction was the right direction for me. Delivering buildings that communities use every day – schools, hospitals, homes – felt like genuinely important work that would have lasting impact.

Did your choice of subjects and qualifications in education help or hinder you getting a job in the sector?

I studied business, media, and sport at A-level. These subjects didn’t directly link to construction, but they gave me a broad understanding of communication, teamwork, and management, which I still apply in my role today.

I would say they neither helped nor hindered me – instead, they provided a well-rounded base of transferable skills that have helped me succeed in my apprenticeship. Construction needs people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, not just those who have followed a traditional technical education path.

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

I wouldn’t say I’ve faced major barriers so far. My journey has been mostly about staying proactive, learning continuously, and making the most of the opportunities within my apprenticeship. Willmott Dixon has been really supportive in helping me to develop both professionally and academically.

What do you know now about the industry that you wish you knew when you were at school?

I wish I had known how wide-ranging the construction industry really is. It’s not just about site labour – there are so many professional and business roles like quantity surveying, design management, planning, and sustainability.

If I had understood back then just how diverse the career opportunities were and how meaningful the work could be, I might have considered construction much earlier

Here’s something that really brings it home for me: I was lucky to have my school, Oasis Arena in Croydon, actually built by Willmott Dixon and that enabled me to attend an Open Doors event. I attended that school and saw first-hand the positive impact construction can have – providing education spaces, creating jobs, and delivering community facilities that last for generations.

If I had understood back then just how diverse the career opportunities were and how meaningful the work could be, I might have considered construction much earlier. That is exactly why initiatives like Open Doors are so important – they give young people that window into what the industry really offers.

What surprised you about the industry as a new starter?

How constantly evolving it is. The construction industry is changing all the time with new regulations, sustainability goals, and client expectations.

I was also surprised by the level of collaboration and coordination required between different teams, clients and subcontractors. The industry is much more dynamic, fast-paced, and innovative than I expected before joining. Every day brings something different.

What are the best and hardest bits of your job?

The best bits are definitely the people – working with different teams and learning from experienced professionals who are always willing to share their knowledge. I also love the variety of projects and the satisfaction of seeing something tangible being built. There’s nothing quite like watching a building take shape and knowing you have played a part in making it happen.

The hardest bits? Cost control is challenging – trying to ensure projects stay within budget while still meeting quality standards and client expectations requires constant vigilance. Balancing multiple priorities and deadlines can be tough, but it’s ultimately rewarding. As I like to say, trying to keep the costs low is every quantity surveyor’s daily workout!

For someone coming through the school system now, what advice do you have about choosing a construction-related career?

Try everything – get involved in different types of work experience to understand what genuinely interests you. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because every experience teaches you something valuable.

Keep an open mind about construction – it’s so much more than digging or building on site. There are technical, managerial, and commercial roles that might suit different skills and personalities.

And come in with a positive, can-do attitude. That attitude goes a long way in this industry and will open doors for you.

What one thing would you change to make finding a career in the built environment sector easier?

I would increase awareness of the wide range of roles within the industry. Schools often only highlight site-based jobs, so students miss out on learning about the office-based, managerial, and professional career paths available.

We need to promote a more well-rounded understanding of construction – showing that it’s both a practical and professional field. That would help to attract more young people who might not think construction is for them.

This is where programmes like Open Doors become invaluable – they give students and the public the chance to visit real construction sites, meet professionals in different roles, and see the incredible variety of careers available.

As one of the lead partners, Willmott Dixon is committed to opening up these opportunities and showing what a rewarding career in construction can truly offer.