Adam’s Career Journey From Plumbing Engineering to Clerk of Works

Adam Papworth joined our Clerk of Works team in March 2022. His unique career journey has seen him go from a Plumbing and Heating Engineer to an Assistant Clerk of Works. We catch up with him a year on to find out more about his role, experience of changing careers, and plans for the future.

1. What were you doing prior to joining calfordseaden?

Before embarking on my new career as an Assistant Clerk of Works, I had been working for 20 years as a Plumbing and Heating engineer. Throughout my time at college, when the teachers were discussing university with us, I just felt that it wasn’t the right option for me. I wanted to get to work instead of carrying on studying and I thought the best way to have a good career in a job I enjoyed, would be to learn a trade. So, I started an apprenticeship and went to college for four years to train as a plumber.

Prior to joining calfordseaden, I was working as an SSSTS site supervisor, managing a group of engineers and apprentices. This was where I met David Guy, an experienced Clerk of Works, from calfordseaden. Whenever he would turn up on site, everyone else would try to avoid him. But I always made the effort to talk to him, and we built up a good rapport. David recognised my skillset and told me about the Clerk of Works career path. I was keen to get off the tools and progress in a new career route, so I jumped at the opportunity to join calfordseaden.

2. How have you found changing careers?

I think my plumbing skills have greatly benefited my new role. I often get calls from more senior Clerk of Works asking for support with gas related queries.

Having worked on a building site for 20 years, it still feels like home when I go to site now, but the difference is now I turn up in a shirt rather than work clothes!

I have a lot to learn and grow within my new Clerk of Works role, but I am enthusiastic and very keen to progress. I always strive for a senior position and I thrive off the challenge of growing my skillset.

Considering I never wanted to go to university, and thought my days of being a student were behind me, I am grateful to have the opportunity to retrain. I have been incredibly fortunate to have calfordseaden support me through my apprenticeship at the University of Wolverhampton, both financially and in terms of allowing me time to study while I work. I am thoroughly enjoying my Quality Control Management Foundation Degree, which is accredited by the Institute of Clerk of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI) and I have just recently passed my first module, achieving a 83% overall grade, which I am immensely proud of.

3. What do you enjoy most about your new role?

It has been a challenge to adjust to my exams, but I am doing well and feel extremely supported by the team. My practical learning is greatly supporting my studying. I am learning a lot from shadowing Spencer Lunn, my team leader and other experienced team members. When we go out on site, he talks me through the inspection procedures. I am very practically minded, and having the experience working on site as a Plumbing and Heating engineer, I find this to be a beneficial way of learning.

The majority of Clerks of Works have worked in the industry for years and have amazing experience. There are Clerks of Works who started out from a range of backgrounds from Site Management and Project Management. They have a wealth of combined knowledge that they have accumulated throughout their careers. It is great to be able to work with and learn from such experienced colleagues and I think it is exciting that we can work collaboratively and I can bring in new fresh ideas. I am gradually getting more responsibilities, from checking site progress and compiling reports. This makes me feel assured that the team value and trust me and my skills.

Gaining student membership to the ICWCI has been one of my highlights of the year. As part of my membership, I have been attending ICWCI Chapter Meetings. The institute also provides me with support and knowledge helping me progress in my new career.

4. What’s your next steps?

Over the next two years, my focus is completing my degree, and gaining as much knowledge as a Clerk of Works as possible.

Through my ICWCI student membership, I am able to network with like-minded professionals. I also have the opportunity to keep up to date with new products and information through regular CPD sessions. In the future I hope to gain full membership to the ICWCI.

I am so glad I took the leap, I really feel like my skills are put to use and I am excited about my future career at calfordseaden.