Finding My Path in Construction
Hello, my name is Liam Redmond, and I’m nineteen years old. Like many students finishing their GCSEs, I was at a crossroads. My school invited me to stay on for A-Levels, but none of the subjects sparked my interest, and I had no clear idea of what I wanted to do at university. I knew I wanted a career that was practical and meaningful, but I wasn’t sure where to start.
One thing I had always been drawn to was property renovation. That curiosity led me to enroll in the BTEC Level 3 Construction and the Built Environment course at Oaklands College in Welwyn Garden City. It was a great decision. The course wasn’t just about theory – we visited live construction projects, giving me a real sense of the industry and the different roles within it. Each visit reassured me that I was heading in the right direction. But there was still one big question: Which career path in construction was the right one for me?
That changed when Hertfordshire Building Control (HBC) visited my college for a presentation on building control!
A Lightbulb Moment: Discovering Building Control
When HBC explained their apprenticeship programme, everything clicked. I realised I could gain a degree while working in the industry, rather than going down the traditional university route. I had so many questions:
- What exactly does Building Control involve?
- How would I fit into the company?
- What career opportunities would this open for me?
That evening, I discussed it with my family, read through the materials HBC provided, and decided to find out more about it.
First Steps
As part of my college course, I needed to complete work experience, so I contacted HBC to see if I could shadow an inspector for a day. Even though my initial date was rescheduled, I persevered—and I’m so glad I did!
Spending the day with an inspector and his apprentice gave me a firsthand look at the role. I loved the variety – and having the mix of desk work and field work.
At the end of the day, I was encouraged to apply for HBC’s Degree Apprenticeship programme!
The Apprenticeship Application Process
The application involved submitting a formal application and CV. I was then invited to an assessment day, which included:
✅ A five-minute presentation on a topic of my choice
✅ Group discussions and problem-solving tasks
✅ A Q&A session with the team
✅ A formal interview with senior staff
It was a full-day event, but the friendly atmosphere, support from staff, lunch with team members, not to mention all the biscuits, made the experience enjoyable. I knew I wanted to be part of this team.
First Impressions as an Apprentice
The first few weeks were a mix of excitement and nerves, but I wasn’t alone – my fellow apprentices and I supported each other. HBC provided everything we needed, from laptops to site gear, and there was always guidance from our mentors, line managers, and office staff.
Balancing work and university was an adjustment, and time management became key. Having one study day per week really helped, and working alongside other apprentices meant we could share knowledge and experiences.
What I’ve Learned So Far
During my time at HBC, I’ve developed a wide range of skills, including:
✔️ Conducting inspections under supervision
✔️ Communicating with architects, builders, and developers
✔️ Assessing building plans for compliance
✔️ Gaining a deeper understanding of building regulations
One of the most valuable parts of this apprenticeship is the chance to learn directly from experienced inspectors. Their insights and hands-on training have been incredibly beneficial.
Looking to the Future
Right now, I’m working towards becoming a Class 2A Registered Inspector, which means I will take on more responsibility and work more independently. My long-term goal is to qualify as a fully registered Building Control Surveyor and manage my own inspection area.
Why I Chose an Apprenticeship Over University
If I could give one piece of advice to students thinking about their future, it would be this:
“Never follow the herd—do what you enjoy, and it won’t feel like work.”
Choosing an apprenticeship meant I could start my career without student debt, gain practical experience, and earn a salary while working towards a fully funded degree. It’s been the perfect route for me, and I would encourage anyone passionate about construction to explore this path.
Join Us!
Are you interested in a career in Building Control? Our apprenticeship programme is the perfect way to kickstart your journey.
