A Q&A with Andy Stickland: Mackoy Foreman

As a Foreman for Mackoy, the instructions Andy gives our groundworkers are vital in keeping our builds to spec and to schedule. So he's a pretty important part of our on site team to say the least.

Known to the groundworkers on the many developments he's worked on (over his two and a half years at Mackoy) Andy's responsible for keeping some pretty high profile projects on track. Helping us deliver the groundworks infrastructure for hundreds of new UK homes, in contracts with some of the country's biggest housing developers. Not that he likes to blow his own horn.

In fact, Andy's Foreman duties have taken him from Bedhampton and Bishopstoke, to Blandford, Oxlease and Emsworth. So he's had a pretty big hand in shaping the landscape in several locations around the South.

We caught up with him for a quick chat, to talk about a Foreman's responsibilities. And what it's like to have the fate of our client's builds resting on his shoulders… no pressure Andy.

Hey Andy, describe what it means to be a Foreman on a building site.

A foreman is someone who basically interprets client drawings and sets daily targets for our groundworkers, to ensure we achieve the timescales being set for us by the project owner. It requires a lot of technical know-how and the ability to multi-task in an often face-paced environment. As well as having good people management and interpersonal skills. Ultimately, I'm responsible for ensuring the full groundworks infrastructure we've been hired to build gets done to a high standard, and to deadline. This can mean managing anything from the development of roads, drains and footpaths, to slab work, footings and concrete floors.

Sounds like you have to juggle a lot of duties, is that the biggest challenge of the job?

It's one of them yes, but there are a few others. Not all in my control I might add. The weather conditions are definitely a big challenge when you're working outdoors. Excess rain, sleet and snow (like we had earlier this year) can really scupper the groundworks progress. Which obviously has a bearing on timings. That's the other challenge, making sure that the targets we set are being met every single day. As well as getting the correct technical info, as drawings quite often change and works need to be adapted, sometimes at a moment's notice.

What skills, training and qualities do you need to do your job?

Qualification-wise you need CSCS training and a valid card to prove it. Mackoy in particular require this for all their employees. You'll also need good knowledge of the groundworks industry and different infrastructure services. Which only improves with experience, the longer you spend on site. But, you also need to have great team working and solo working skills. As you're always working with other people as a Foreman, as well as on your own.

What's the most important thing to you in life?

Self respect and respect for others.

If someone wanted to know the difference between groundworks and civil engineering what would you tell them?

I'd say that groundworks is more domestic and that civil engineering is more industrial.

What do you enjoy most about your job as a Foreman?

When we meet targets I feel a lot of satisfaction in my job. And when a development is 100% complete it's always rewarding stepping back and knowing you were a key part of making that happen.

If you could have anything in the world right now what would it be?

A plot of land to build on and the winning lottery ticket!

Wouldn't we all Andy? Wouldn't we all….

We're always actively recruiting for skilled workers like Andy to join our Mackoy team. So if this sounds like you, and you have experience in one of the following areas: groundworks, site management, dumper driving, road sweeping, civil engineering, plant operations, drainage or project management. Then keep an eye on our Facebook and Careers pages for our latest job openings.

We take on contracts all around the South of England, from Dorset and Hampshire, to Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire, among other counties in the UK. If you're looking for a reliable groundworks and civil engineering company with a reputation for best practice in the industry, get in touch via our contact form.

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