Name: Raphael Sossou
Title: Apprentice site manager, Legendre UK
What I do: I am currently in the fourth year of the Level 6 construction management degree. I support the day-to-day delivery of live construction projects, working closely with site teams, subcontractors, consultants and clients. My role spans programme management, quality control, health and safety, and increasingly includes the procurement and delivery of work packages from design through to handover – maintaining control of budgets and cost reporting to the project lead.
Why I got into the property industry: I’ve always been a practical person and enjoyed building things, solving problems along the way. Construction appealed to me because it combines technical thinking with people management. It’s great that I can physically see the results of my decisions and teamwork, as the building takes shape before my very eyes.
How I did it: After finishing my A-levels, I started a full-time BSc in civil engineering in 2020 – in the middle of the pandemic. While I enjoyed the technical side, it didn’t take long to realise that a purely online, classroom-based route wasn’t right for me. Learning through a screen wasn’t where I’d do my best. I missed the human, practical side of learning that I thrive on.
I knew I wanted to be out on projects, taking responsibility and seeing how things actually come together. So I made the switch to a degree apprenticeship in construction management and it’s been the right fit ever since I joined Legendre in 2022. I do one day a week at university and four days on site, learning by doing and developing through real experience. I like the hands-on problem-solving, mixed with the conversations on site and the feeling of being part of something happening in real time.
My first proper job: This apprenticeship was my first full-time role. The adjustment to working life was challenging initially, but it helped me develop structure, accountability and a strong work ethic, while giving me invaluable exposure to live projects.
My first big break: On my current project, I’ve been given the opportunity to manage the entire internal fit-out package, from procurement through to delivery, with responsibility for handover later this year. Being trusted with that level of ownership has been a defining moment in my development.
My inspiration(s): I’m inspired by the people I work with day-to-day. From experienced site managers to project leaders who combine technical expertise with calm decision-making and strong people skills. Seeing good leadership in action on site has shaped how I want to develop my own career.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: When I first started, I had limited construction knowledge and wasn’t especially confident. Stepping straight into live projects can feel daunting, there’s a lot happening at once, but it also pushes you to adapt quickly. Being on site every day made the difference. The more I got stuck in, the more comfortable I became asking the right questions, listening properly, and learning from the people around me. Over time, that hands-on exposure helped develop better judgement.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: The handover of my first project. It was a challenging route to practical completion, particularly as it was my first site, but working as a team to overcome issues and deliver a strong final product for the client was hugely rewarding.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: Before entering the industry, I assumed construction was informal and unstructured. I had no idea about the level of professionalism, regulation, planning, and coordination involved. The reality is that it’s a highly organised, technical, and collaborative industry.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change: I’d like to see more young people actively encouraged towards apprenticeships and vocational routes. At school, university was presented as the default option, but apprenticeships offer an incredible pathway to responsibility, qualifications, and long-term careers.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: Construction is built on people. On site, you work alongside individuals from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, but everyone is there for the same reason – to do a good job and take pride in their work. I’m passionate about creating environments where people are respected for their skills and work ethic, and where opportunity is based on contribution and capability, not background or how someone entered the industry.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: On my current project, I’ve been closely involved in procuring packages and have tried to support local suppliers wherever possible. The reality is that local companies are not always the cheapest option, and those decisions can be challenging. However, investing in local businesses gives people in the area the opportunity to work on our sites, keeps skills within the community, and helps strengthen the places we build in. In the long term, that investment is what supports sustainable and resilient communities.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise? In five years, I’d like to have completed my BSc in construction management, achieved MCIOB status, and progressed into a package manager role. I’d also like to be trusted to take ownership of complex work packages from start to finish – building the experience and judgement that will naturally move me towards a future role in project management.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Harry Kane, for his discipline, leadership, and relentless work ethic. Supporting Tottenham over the years definitely hasn’t always been easy, but I like to think it’s helped build resilience both on and off site.
What I do in my downtime: I spend a lot of time in the gym and enjoy sport, but I also have a real interest in film and cinema. I enjoy watching how stories are built visually through different shots and angles.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I’d still be building something, most likely working in theatre or film set design. I was involved in drama clubs when I was younger and have always enjoyed the creative side of building spaces.
My advice for someone just starting out: Find something you enjoy, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Construction rewards people who are willing to listen, learn, and take responsibility early on. Mistakes happen – what matters is learning from them.
My motto/mantra: Turn up, do the basics well and stay curious.
The 9-15 February 2025 is National Apprenticeship Week. Click here to find out more details about the initiative.
