Hello,

As ConstructionSkills have been focussing on Professionals in the Positive Image campaign, I thought I would contact a professional I know to give us a taste of what a typical day in her life is like.

Jane is the Managing Director of her own Architecture practice in Buckinghamshire, and a day in her world is:

'Well I am up at 6 and off to the gym if there is time. I make sure the kids are OK for studies, lunch etc, and then see the builders for a chat (we are almost finished building an eco-house for our family). I start work in the office about 8:30.

There is no such thing as a typical day here as every one is different, but usually I have about one or two meetings with clients here or in their building, or go on site to meet the builders, then spend time with my staff to oversee their technical work, an hour or two doing design work, and the rest of the time stuck into administration or responding to emails.

I am deeply involved with marketing the practice and planning for the future, and this takes a good number of hours of my week. I also chair various local community group meetings to review revitalisation of the local town, and do about one day a week of meetings or paperwork for the RIBA. Sometimes these extra curricular activities are very glamorous - I was introduced to Prince Charles recently, but mostly they are hard work!

I go home if I can by 7pm, and the family cooks and eats together most evening before falling into bed for what I feel is well earned rest!'

Sounds exhausting but very interesting to me! Dont know about you, but I am kind of keen to hear a bit more about the eco-house.. Might see if I can find out more - want me to share if I do?

Tracy

Hey guys

I just found out about this competition and thought it was kinda cool so wanted to let you all know about it...

Designing a Parliament for the Future Event
The RIBA 175 Schools Competition
7-17 July Westminster Hall, Houses of Parliament

This year RIBA challenged schools across England and Wales to design a building to replace the current Palace of Westminster in one of the English regions that would meet the needs of the Government in the 21st Century. Entered by 124 schools the competition is being run to mark the 175th anniversary of RIBA being established and also the great fire that led to the construction of the current Palace of Westminster.

Eleven regional winners aged between 14-19 have been selected and are now working up their designs with an architectural mentor in preparation for being displayed at the exhibition. The overall winner will be awarded at a special ceremony which is taking place on 7 July

Entrance to the exhibition is FREE so if you are interested in looking at the winner of the competition visit www.parliament.uk for more information.

I think i might try check out the winners when the exhibition is open! Hope to see you there!

Tracy

Hello,

I have just found out about this fantastic scheme that ConstructionSkills run that is perfect for you if you are about to start a degree in a Construction course. There are so many benefits that I just couldn’t wait to tell you about it!

It’s called the Inspire Scholarship Scheme and its offers you the chance to go to university and come out the other end with minimal debt! How great would that be!

Other benefits include:

* Up to £9,000 financial support to help you through university! Good news in these tough economic climates!
* Contact with your sponsor before you even begin your course.
* A 10-week work placement with your matched employer in the summer of your first year - with the option of additional work experience. Which could help you get that much needed foot in the door for a job when you graduate!
* Entrance into a competition where you could win further funding or the latest gadgets

Obviously to apply you have to be looking to start a degree in a construction-related degree course this Autumn, if that’s you why not apply? All you have to do is go to www.bconstructive.co.uk/scholarship and apply. But be warned, applications have to be submitted by 28th February - so what you waiting for?

Speak soon

Tracy