Meet Paige Couser, third year Construction Project Management student.

What inspired you to study your course?

I wanted to further my academic career while working fulltime and I believed that taking this course would further my understanding of how the industry works, touch on the challenges we face daily and how we can change it for the better.

What made you study at the University of Salford?

I’ve lived in Salford all my life, so I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else.

Can you tell us which parts of the course you enjoyed the most (lectures, modules, projects, topics, any opportunities etc)? 

I’ve really enjoyed collaborating with my peers in groups, getting to meet new people, experiencing university life, alongside working full time. The lecturers are friendly and always provide me with support. I also enjoyed having my own way of learning while having the guidance if I am ever unsure.

Where do you currently work and how did you find out about the role? 

I currently work at Renaker in Manchester and my role currently is a construction manager. I found this role back in college where I was offered work experience with them, and I absolutely loved it.

Tell us a little bit about your current role and your day-to-day responsibilities. 

In my current role, I am learning all about the façade/externals but I also need to ensure that I walk around the perimeters and make sure everyone is aware of their tasks. My day to day responsibilities are making sure that briefing is complete and everyone is fit for work.

I do inductions in the morning if necessary and check my diary if there any delays to make sure everything is recorded. I liaise with the logistics manager to ensure which deliveries are coming in. I also sit with the subcontractors to make sure our projects are finished on time.

‘Never say no to any opportunity you get – especially in construction. Everyday is a learning day and taking those opportunities will further help your knowledge, understanding, and your career.’

Paige Couser, Construction Project Management student

Can you tell us about any of the projects you’re working on? What is the most exciting project you’ve worked on so far and what do you enjoy most about your role? 

My current project is tower D2 which is called the Trinity Island in Manchester – a 54-storey high building which includes a gym area, movie room, and a rock-climbing wall (this is the biggest building I’ve worked on so far and is all new!).

The jobs I’ve been on previously would be C2 which is the Elizabeth tower on Crown Street which was the most exciting job I’ve worked on, so far. We built the highest pool on the 44th floor and it was my first ever project so I learnt a lot.

What I enjoy the most about my job role is the people as they are so supportive. As a young woman in a male dominated industry, people around me want me to progress and further my knowledge. Someone once said, ‘The day you stop learning is the day you pass away.’ I think that’s a true reflection in construction and that’s what I love about it. Every day is always different from the next, a new problem to solve, a new project to complete, and new teams to collaborate with.

How do you feel your course prepared you for your future employment? 

I feel like my course has prepared me for what future construction should look like. The industry needs to change and the change is coming quickly, so we need to be able to adapt. This course has equipped me with so many skills, and I can recognise both a good project and a bad one.

What advice would you give to prospective students or those seeking a career in construction? 

Never say no to any opportunity you get – especially in construction. Everyday is a learning day and taking those opportunities will further help your knowledge, understanding, and your career.

Have you thought about the next steps in your career and where you would like to progress to?  

I would love to complete a course in NEBOSH and have a few more years as a construction manager. Then, I’d like to go into a more health and safety managerial role for my respective company. I would then probably like to travel around the UK and the world while doing my work.