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Meet Mark Brooks: Senior Site Agent

CP = Career Planet
MB = Mark Brooks

CP: Where do you work?
MB: I am currently working on the Greenpoint stadium project. Have been here for 2 years, but generally move from site to site wherever our projects take us.

CP: Have you had any other jobs?
MB: Not since leaving Technikon.

CP: When you were at school, what type of career did you think you would follow?
MB: It was always going to be some form of engineering.    

CP: Which qualification/s are needed for this career?
MB: Generally a degree or diploma in Civil Engineering or Construction Management is required.

CP: What made you decide to choose that study path?
MB: I was keen on construction and was offered a bursary. The rest is history.

CP: How long did you study for, and do you still do any training?
MB: I studied for three years at Technikon to complete a diploma. We now attend various training courses from time to time, but these are not related to our diploma or degrees.

CP: Have you ever done any volunteer work to gain experience?
MB: No

CP: What made you decide to choose the job that you are doing now?
MB: I had a bursary from a construction company and the natural process was to work for them once I had qualified.

CP: Please tell us about a typical day at work. (including the main duties etc)
MB: My day consists of managing the various aspects of a construction site. This includes:

-Getting to work at 06h30 to prepare for 07h00 staff meeting.
-Meeting with all staff daily to discuss the activities to be completed in the next day/week
-Meeting with sub contractors to ensure they are working to program and are resourced correctly.
-Liaising with the team of consultants, architects and designers on various issues.
-Monitoring all aspects of program, safety, quality and financial.
-Reporting to my superiors on the above on a weekly basis and preparing cost reports monthly.
-Dealing with staff and labour welfare.
-Working with my team on coming up with methods to complete our work faster and more cost effectively.

CP: What are the main tools that you use daily (e.g.: computer, oven, camera, microscope etc)
MB: My computer and cell phone are the main tools. A comfortable pair of safety boots is also required as I walk the site constantly.

CP: Does your job involve managing other people?
MB: Most of the day is spent managing other people.

CP: Do you work office hours or flexi-time?
MB: We work site hours which is usually 07h30 to 17h00. With the work load and fast tracking of the industry, we find ourselves working many nights to 18h00 or 19h00 though.

CP: Do you work in a relaxed or a formal environment?
MB: Generally relaxed on site (no suits and ties), but a little more formal in site meetings.

CP: What is the dress code for your job?
MB: Hard hats and safety boots are essential. I wear jeans and a shirt or anything comfortable. Shorts can be worn if required.

CP: What can one expect to earn as a starting salary in this career?
MB: Around R8 000, but can increase rapidly once assessed on site.

CP: What is the best thing that has ever happened to you at work?
MB: Completing a project on time, with good profits and having a satisfied client.

CP: What is the worst/or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you at work?
MB: Finishing behind program

CP: What are the prospects for career growth?
MB: Excellent. Anyone that follows this career path can become contracts manager or a director. There are also other specialist fields such as programming and tendering that may be taken from a background in civil engineering.

CP: Does your job include travelling?
MB: We often have projects in other parts of South Africa, Africa and the world. So yes, travel is almost guaranteed.

CP: Describe the kind of person that you think most suits this type of work.
MB: There are various characters in the industry, but outgoing, intelligent, clear thinking team players who are prepared to travel and get their hands dirty should do well.

CP: Do you have any tips for people thinking about this career?
MB: You need to start from the bottom. Get dirty down in the trenches for a few years, pick up all the experience and wisdom from those around you and then you will prosper at management level. If you are looking for an office job, look elsewhere.

CP: What other options/possibilities are there for career growth in this field?
MB: Planning and programming, tendering etc for a construction company. If you study civil engineering, you can enter the field of roads and earthworks, construction, mining etc. Working for a design engineering firm is also an option.

CP: What are some of the main companies/organizations that provide employment in your field?
MB: The main construction companies are WBHO, Murray and Roberts, Grinaker LTA, Group 5, and Neil Muller. The main civil and roadworks companies are WBHO, Martin and East, Greymo, and Bradis. And the main design firms are BKS, Ninham Shand, Asch, Arcuss Gibb, Henry Fagan, and Sutherland.

CP: Are there opportunities for entrepreneurs in this field?
MB: Yes, although a construction company may require a lot of capital to get started.

CP: Do you have hobbies?
MB: Not too much time for many, but play as much golf as possible.

CP: Is there any other information someone interested in this career should know?
MB: There are plenty opportunities to be had in construction in South Africa. Most of the large companies have active offices in various countries around the world including Australia, Dubai and many African countries so there is huge opportunity to travel.