19th November 2020

Celebrating International Men’s Day with Samuel Wilson

Today on International Men’s Day we talk to Samuel Wilson who tells us more about his role as Package Manager and his passion for historic buildings and their conservation.

Introducing Samuel Wilson, Package Manager by day whose experience over the years has seen him working on iconic heritage projects including York Minster.

In his spare time, Samuel enjoys cycling ‘a long way and quite often’ and likes to document his rides to share his experiences in the form of a blog. Here we find out more.

Tell us about how you got to where you are today

Since leaving school at the age of 15 with no qualifications, I chose to follow a career in construction. I started off by sweeping the floors of building sites in Yorkshire and then by working my way up the ladder.

I’m now 32 years old and a Historic Brickwork specialist, following my Scholarship with The Prince's Foundation 2013. Over the years, I have worked on many projects, including York Minster, Lincoln Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace.

Since leaving the tools behind, I have followed a management career. I have worked on various high-profiled buildings such as The Palace of Westminster and more recently, The Royal Albert Hall, where I have joined Sir Robert McAlpine as a Package Manager. Alongside my work, I am also studying a degree in Historic Building Conservation which I do part-time, further enhancing my passion for historic buildings and their conservation.

Tell us more about your role at Sir Robert McAlpine

My role as Package Manager sees me working alongside Project Manager Craig Chandler at The Royal Albert Hall, overseeing the completion of the project which we are on track to complete before the new year. My role is mostly site-based, ensuring all trades are completing works effectively, efficiently and to a high standard.

What are your reflections on the company and would you have thought you'd be where you are now?

I’ve found everyone associated with Sir Robert McAlpine to be very knowledgeable, helpful and professional. I’m glad I chose to join the company and am looking forward to progressing my career within the Special Projects team.

What message would you give to those seeking a career in construction today?

Put yourself out there. Meet people, network and show people your smile. A CV is only as good as the person reading it on the day. If you can contact people directly or via networks such as LinkedIn, organise a video call and present yourself and your passions that speak volumes. Oh, and read more books.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Whilst I am not at work or studying, you can find me on my bike. During the initial lockdown this year, I decided not to stay on my own in London and packed up the bike and made various trips around the south of England, including a trip from London to The White Cliffs of Dover. I then decided it was time to see my family, so I cycled back to my family home in Yorkshire.

Throughout my bike packing adventures, I only use the equipment I have on my bike, including my tent, food, clothes and any other spares I may need. I camp along the way and make the most of the open road and beautiful cycleways the UK has to offer.   

After receiving some great feedback on Instagram, I decided to document my rides and share my experiences in the form of a Blog. I have now written about a handful of rides and plans are underway for many more (once it is sensible to do so). My blog is ever evolving and now includes 'featured' posts, whereby I chat with people and organisations I find are in some way inspirational and have a story worth sharing. 

You can follow Samuel’s adventures via his website: https://samueljameswilson.com/

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