Name: Fiachra Coyle
Job title: Assistant site manager, McAvoy
What I do: I am currently an assistant site manager at McAvoy, splitting my time between college and on-the-job training as part of my apprenticeship.
Why I got into the property industry: I enjoy playing football in a mixed-age team and it happened that a lot of the older players worked in property and construction. This exposed me to the industry and I wanted to find out more. I also had an interest in design at school, so I thought that a career in construction would be a good fit for me.
How I did it: I pursued an apprenticeship at college and then started searching for an employer. Through a friend’s recommendation, I approached McAvoy, was accepted for an interview, and successfully joined the company as an apprentice. McAvoy is known for nurturing talent and I joined alongside other apprentices. Since starting, I’ve had the opportunity to experience different areas of the business, from working in the factory to the office, and there are now plans for me to learn more about the pre-construction side as well.
My first proper job: Joining McAvoy in 2022 marks my first proper job. I am hoping to continue here full-time once I complete my apprenticeship and earn my bachelor’s degree in construction engineering and surveying. It has been brilliant to apply what I learn in college directly to ‘real world’ and my role as an assistant site manager.
My first big break: Supporting McAvoy’s largest job to date, a new 8,610 sq m secondary school for Orsett Heath Academy in Essex, was a significant and exciting turning point in my career journey. It instantly increased my responsibilities and I was tasked with managing more people on the site, working closely with two site managers and a project manager. I have learned so much from this experience already.
My inspiration(s): I’m focused on my future right now, but one day I aspire to design and build my own house. My colleagues and college teachers inspire and encourage me to keep going and working towards my goals.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Balancing work and studies can be quite full on at times. However, finding time to do things I enjoy outside of work has helped and McAvoy’s flexibility with my hours allows me to maintain this balance. I can still play football on a Friday afternoon, which I look forward to all week!
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Achieving one of the highest grades in my second year college group examinations is something I am very proud of. The theory is important, but it isn’t always easy to find the time to study, so this was a massive achievement for me.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That the career pathway in construction is limited. In reality, the industry offers so many amazing routes and opportunities to get involved with interesting and high profile projects. A career in construction can be both fulfilling and successful.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: That the industry is traditional and not future thinking. There’s so much potential to use technology in construction, but not everyone is aware of it. For example, I use cloud-based construction software to manage assets/sites more effectively, ensuring better ensure quality on projects. I love exploring the digital side of the industry, which we use to enhance and improve how we work. If I could change one thing about the industry, it would be materials waste. There is a big push to reduce, reuse and recycle, but if I could eradicate materials wastage entirely then I absolutely would.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I aim to be a contracts manager and a chartered member of CIOB.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: As a big football fan, I’d invite Cristiano Ronaldo. I would also like to invite snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan, and of course, it wouldn’t be a dinner party without my girlfriend there too.
What I do in my downtime: You can mostly find me watching or playing football. I love to play snooker and pool too. Being active and having friendly competition in the sports and activities I choose to do is something I really enjoy.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I love sports, so sports coaching or something similar appeals to me. However, I like the fact that I can enjoy my hobbies and have a career in construction at the same time.
My advice for someone just starting out: My number one piece of advice would be to take the apprenticeship route. In my opinion, it is one of the best career pathways, and I am so glad that I went down this route. I feel like I am learning so much through college and learning on the job.
My motto/mantra: “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” I am a big believer in being organised and ready for any situation, so this is something I live by.
