Rob Matthews

NAME Rob Matthews
JOB Assistant site agent
AREA OF WORK Construction management
EMPLOYER Wallis (part of the Kier Group)
QUALIFICATIONS BSc construction management, London South Bank University (2005)
PROFESSIONAL STATUS ICIOB (undergoing MCIOB qualification)

I was a carpenter until a motorcycle accident left me without the use of my left arm. This led me to consider a construction management career and I went to university to retrain. I started a HND course and converted to a bachelors degree.

Becoming qualified

My employer encouraged me to gain a professional qualification as early as during my initial induction. To gain professional status with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB),  I have to submit evidence that I have completed nine units of work and undergo a professional review, which is a panel interview. Qualification usually takes three years and I’m part-way through.

The units are competence based – including areas such as planning, organisation and problem solving – and the examples I need to give are found in my day-to-day work. I have a mentor with whom I sit down every three to four months; we go through my records to ensure I record the right sort of evidence. Sometimes I find I’ve carried out the requirements without realising it. As I work towards professional qualification. I become more aware about the skills I use.

Best and worst

The most challenging aspect of becoming qualified is the time it takes on top of my day job. However, I like recording my development from a ‘graduate’ into an experienced professional. I look forward to the fact that when clients see my MCIOB status in the future they’ll know they’ll receive high-quality service.