Graduates talk projects: restoring Birmingham Town Hall to its former glory

I first started working on the restoration of Birmingham Town Hall during the industrial placement year of my degree. Although a grade one listed building, the hall had fallen into neglect. The company I work for won the project from Birmingham City Council to restore the building in partnership with conservationists and architects.

Over a two-year construction phase period, we coordinated the work of specialists in stonemasonry, lead roofing, plastering, flooring and acoustics systems to return the building to its former glory. This included restoring the balcony seating to its original 1834 design, which has improved the acoustic properties of the building dramatically. The finishing touch was restoring an impressive, ornate ceiling – my colleagues tell me it’s a job unlike most others.

On placement

As a placement student some of my tasks involved surveying internal brickwork and plasterwork before other trades could begin their work. The outer stonework was restored by a team of stonemasons and I worked through drawings to ensure that certain new hand-carved stones had been replaced correctly. I also checked portfolios of historic items to be protected and retained, and kept site records up to date.

As a graduate

Following my placement year, my company gave me a conditional offer of employment to return to the project upon graduation. I was then given my own ‘packages’, or specific parts of the project to manage, including carpentry, stonework and lead. This involved overseeing the work of our subcontractors to ensure each stage of construction was done to design specification and completed on time. One of the most important parts of my job was to ensure that all persons on site adhered to the safety rules set out by my company and the construction industry in general.

'I relish the chance to improve the environment we live in.'

The initial learning curve was steep but my project manager – who is also my mentor – gave me the support I needed. My other colleagues were also willing to lend a hand and answer questions, though I needed this less as time went on. Communication and time management skills are the most important skills I’ve learned in my work as I meet new people all the time and work closely with colleagues on the commercial side of the project. Managing paperwork and remaining organised is also essential.

Completing the project

The project was completed on time and within the budget. It has been handed over to Birmingham City Council and their facilities managers. Over the last few months, I have worked on a part-time basis to complete additional instructed works outside the original timetable. On this project, watching the ceiling being decorated was a definite highlight: the star burst at the centre of the Great Hall was covered in a gold-leaf layer and looks amazing.

After my student days, adjusting to an 8.00 am start on site was an initial shock but, with a year’s experience in the industry, I’d say that I’ve made the right career choice. I enjoy the problem-solving side of my work, and relish the chance to improve the environment in which we live.

David Invernizzi is a production trainee at Wates Construction. He has a BSc in construction management from Sheffield Hallam University (2006).