Aurie Cox

Year of Graduation: 2010

  • Course BSc Construction Management Degree
  • Nationality British
  • Career industry Construction
  • Current job title Contracts Manager (New Build Residential Housing)
  • Current Company St Modwen Homes Ltd / Longbridge - Birmingham

If you are looking towards a career in the construction industry the University's enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for the industry is second to none and it will help you reach your potential in every way it can!

My lecturers were very enthusiastic and supportive, always there to help and full of knowledge and experience; in particular Chris Williams, Ezekiel Chinyio & Sammy Chung. The facilities were great with an extensive array of IT & books in the library when required. The friends I made, in particular Simon Richards & Tom Collins, have stayed with me for life. Simon, being my best friend and best man at my wedding. In 2016, we regularly meet up still. My favourite memory was producing my 30,000 word dissertation where I interviewed various people from different sectors to determine the Impact of social media on construction in the built environment and whether it played or could play a vital part in construction.
I believe my course has benefited my career in the sense that it initially gave me a broad understanding of the various elements of construction and how they all tie in with one another and play a vital role in delivery of a construction management project, in particular within the construction sector, which I am in and newbuild housing. I did not go in to the industry completely blind as I had an understanding of various housing foundations; the importance of setting out and surveying, various parties involved i.e technical consultants & legalities (construction law), building inspections and regulations needing to adhere; planning conditions and constraints, etc. Ultimately the course gave me the opportunity to use what theory knowledge I have acquired at university and link it in with the practical side of building and construction management on site and in the industry which I believe was vital to my progression and success.
Preparing build programs Checking frequently on site build quality & site presentation Making sure we are on program & budget Liaising with site staff, management & subcontractor personnel to ensure everybody is OK, happy and do not have any issues conducting safety inspections Motivating the workforce Reporting back to directors regarding site progress on the 4 live sites that I oversee on a weekly basis Day to day problem solving and any issues that may arise Foreseeing any potential risks with build that may occur presently or in the distant future that may stop us achieving what we need from site for half year & year end figures.
My career highlights are as below: Every year NHBC registered building sites are eligible to enter and be marked with an NHBC quality award if the NHBC inspector for your site deems your site to be good enough with regards to quality and building regulation compliance. Out of 11,000 site managers marked in the country only 400 win a quality award, up to 100 will win a seal of excellence and 12 will win a regional award; and finally 1 supreme award winner. Honours & Awards: NHBC PIJ Quality Award 2019 NHBC PIJ Quality Award 2020 NHBC PIJ Seal of Excellence Award 2020 NHBC PIJ Regional Award (West) 2020 NHBC PIJ Quality Award
Keep an open mind, take as much knowledge as you can in from the people around you and know that the more time, effort and dedication you give to your course; the more you will get from it. This being support from you lecturers, your fellow students and ultimately, this then shows in your grades and the prospects you will gain from what you have achieved.

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