Laura’s building herself a career

Nov 27 2008 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

A YOUNG Hamilton woman is building a career in the construction industry.

Laura Allison, who lives in Woodhead, has been employed by construction company Morgan Ashurst, who have offices at Hamilton International Technology Park.

The 23-year-old, who attended Woodhead Primary and Earnock High, is working as a trainee site manager at Trinity High, Rutherglen, where the company are building a new secondary.

Laura also attends Glasgow Metropolitan College one day a week, where she is studying for a Higher National Certificate in construction management.

Laura joined Morgan Ashurst as a document controller at one of their construction sites in East Kilbride before deciding to pursue a career in the practical side of the industry.

“I left school at 16 and worked for a small construction company before joining Morgan Ashurst,” explains Laura. “I got involved in some of the practical work being carried out by the site team and found that I really enjoyed it.

“I was encouraged to take on an operational role and then got the opportunity to go and study for my HNC.”

As trainee site manager, Laura’s tasks include carrying out site inductions, liaising with subcontractors, controlling and monitoring the progress of works, and dealing with health and safety matters.

She added: “Once I've finished my HNC studies, I'd like to build up my experience even further and eventually become a project manager, running my own site.”

Harry Thorburn, Morgan Ashurst managing director for Scotland, said: “Laura has shown tremendous potential and is setting an excellent example.”