Rayyan Mohmed

About my job

What inspired you to work in the Construction industry?
I was offered a work experience whilst I was studying at college with Vistry Partnerships and thought I would like to experience something new. I come from a Construction background which helped as I already knew a little about the industry. I really enjoyed my work experience and instantly knew that this was the industry in which I wanted to work within.

What were your initial expectations of working in the Construction industry?
I always knew construction was more complex than it gets made out to be. However, I was very surprised at the different elements it takes to construct a building. My initial expectations were that it would be a boring industry to work it with a repetitive workday. It is the complete opposite.
Each day is different in the industry.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?
Completing three years at university to date whilst working at the same time. It has been difficult but proud period of my life, and I am really pleased with what I have achieved in my academic studies and my career, so far.

What has been your biggest challenge to date, and why?
The balance of university work, industry work and life has been quite difficult. You find that you are often spending less time for your private life as it’s taken up by university deadlines as well as work commitments.

What do you consider to be the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The outcome of your work which for us in construction is the building/ house you are building. In the contracting part of the business, you often don’t see the person who moves into the apartment but knowing you are putting a roof over someone’s head is quite special. The satisfaction of seeing your work develop in front of your eyes is one of the most fulfilling aspects of working in construction.

What do you consider to be the most challenging aspect of your job?
Attempting something for the first time. I strive to preform my best, however when upon initial encounter, new documents and different working practices can appear daunting, especially when trying to understand the technical aspects, but I am here to take on and meet with such challenges!

What did you study at entry level in order to support your career path?
I studied Level 3 BTEC in Mechanical Engineering. Within my second year I approached Vistry Partnerships for work experience which resulted in me undertaking a day per week placement for my entire second year at College! This provided me with a better understanding of the work environment and responsibilities which I would eventually face on a day-to-day basis.

Name three ‘key skills’ you have learnt since embarking upon this Apprenticeship?
Self-reliance -we’re encouraged to find our own answers and build our own path, but applying this skill in an academic environment is entirely different from doing it in the workplace.

Commercial awareness - specifically having first-hand knowledge of how your chosen industry works can give you not only a clearer indication of your suitability for it but also a working knowledge that you exhibit in your interviews.
Decision making and problem solving - work experience helped me become capable of dealing with challenges without having to lean on the shoulders of colleagues; you start trusting yourself and the decisions you can make.

What are your career aspirations?
I would like to make it to the very top of my game, one day. It has always been a dream of mine to work abroad so hopefully I can achieve that also.

What advice would you give to anyone considering entering the construction industry as a career?
Construction is a great industry as a career. It is a fast-paced industry where each day is different. Different construction projects can introduce you to new skills, dynamic new technologies. The industry is widely diverse and adaptable with many specialised roles. Construction is one of the few industries that makes a crucial difference to our daily lives.

How has your employer supported you during your career journey?
Vistry have been very supportive throughout the last 3 years I have been here. They allow you to take time off for study leave if you need so. The CPD courses are great as it helps me meet my targets towards my apprenticeship. There is a clear understanding within the business that it can get stressful for the apprentices and make it clear there is always help if you need it. The mentor programme is great as it gives you the option to talk to someone who has already gone through the same steps as you.

State a quote which you think is important and why?
“You miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take.”
The reason I like this quote is because it inspires you to do more. The more you do the more chance you get to achieving your goals.