Jack Robertson’s journey in the construction industry is one of dedication, hard work, and continuous learning. As the Trainee Site Manager at John Southworth, Jack recently achieved a significant milestone by completing his NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management, a qualification he earned while balancing the demands of full-time work on-site with his studies. This qualification, which is crucial for obtaining a Managers and Supervisors CSCS card, marks a major step in his path toward becoming a fully qualified Site Manager.

Though finding the balance between work and learning was challenging at times, Jack received unwavering support from his employer, John Southworth, as well as mentorship from experienced colleagues. Jack is especially grateful to Steve Backhouse, who helped guide him during the early days of his employment, and Allan Adamson, who continues to support him in his role today.

Jack has been with John Southworth for just over a year, joining the company in 2023 as an Assistant Site Manager. His decision to pursue a career in construction followed an early stint working in maintenance and landscaping at a local private school. That experience sparked his interest in building and development, leading him to join the construction sector.

Since joining John Southworth, Jack has excelled in both his practical work and his academic pursuits. He’s taken courses in setting out levels and taping—critical skills in preparing construction sites to exact specifications before the real work begins. It’s an extremely technical process and vital to ensuring that new build projects run smoothly and meet the highest standards of quality.

In addition to his NVQ studies, Jack has gained qualifications in Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS), First Aid at Work, Fire Marshal training, and even a certification in Understanding Autism in the Workplace through the National Autistic Society. His education extends beyond technical skills, showing his commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and efficient work environments.

Jack’s practical experience has also been extensive, having worked on several high-profile projects, including:

  • Victoria Avenue, a development of 25 timber frame houses built to the Future Homes Standard for Great Places Housing Group in Blackley, Manchester.
  • Oakwood Lodge, a development of 20 energy-efficient timber frame houses for Wythenshawe Community Housing Group in Wythenshawe, Manchester.
  • Davenshaw Mill, a traditional construction development of 9 walk-up apartments for Jigsaw Homes in Congleton, Cheshire.

Each of these projects has provided Jack with valuable experience, reinforcing his technical knowledge and project management skills. His hands-on training, paired with his NVQ coursework, has equipped him to handle the complexities of site management, from overseeing health and safety procedures to ensuring quality control on large-scale housing projects.

As Jack continues his professional journey with John Southworth, he’s excited about the opportunities ahead. His hard-earned qualifications, combined with the mentorship and support from his colleagues, have set him on a solid path to becoming a fully qualified Site Manager—a role he is well on his way to achieving.