Isabelle Wagstaff

"I am a Junior Project Manager for a Mechanical and Electrical Building Services Contractor.The three personality types to best describe me are 'Coach', 'Influencer' and 'Quality Controlled'. I need to be good at listening and communicating with everyone on site and all supply chain partners. I take pride in exceeding expectations of others and stay motivated to provide a high standard of work. Throughout my career to date, I have become more confident and enjoy directing operatives as well as working well within a team. "

"As a project manager, my main role is to manage our works on site and ensure I'm always considering the budget, time and quality of the project. I enjoy the responsibility I have been given by my company to make my own decisions but also work with others to complete tasks. When beginning as an Apprentice you may not get paid as much as your employer are also funding all of your education. Once qualified a project manager salary can begin upwards of £25k to a senior project manager earning over £50k a year. Salary can depend on your qualifications but also your experience, therefore if you know you're wanting to work in engineering, it is important to get experience in the industry to help with your future career."

"I completed my GCSEs at secondary school and from that chose my A-Levels based on a mixture of what interested me and what I did well at academically. Once progressing to my local sixth form, I achieved my A-Levels in Maths, Physics and Product Design, as well as a Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in General Engineering. I then looked on the Government website for apprenticeships and after many interviews, I was offered a place at HE Barnes as a Junior Project Manager on a 3 Year Higher Level Apprenticeship. I have nearly finished my HND and will be starting my Degree in September, this route has took me longer than the conventional University pathway, but it has been fully funded by my employer as well as working full time."

"Although I don't have many hobbies and interests, I am extremely proud of what I have achieved in life. Being able to work full time, whilst achieving my education, has helped me to have a stable income, I bought my first house at 18 and recently got married at 20. Me and my husband have an interest in cars, I have a Mini Cooper S JCW 210 and we often attend modified car shows together. "

"My typical day consists of travelling to site, answering emails, writing and approving RAMS, ensuring Health & Safety policies are followed, creating and carrying out tool box talks, monitoring progress on site, phone calls to supervisors and main contractors, attending important meetings, site walk arounds, procurement of materials and labour, commercial matters, issuing costs for variations, creating programmes, sending out enquiries, take-off on drawings and monitoring issued drawings."

"A Level Product Design – AA Level Maths – BA Level Physics – DL3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in General Engineering – Distinction*HNC in Construction and the Built Environment (BSE) – DistinctionHND in Construction and the Built Environment (BSE) NVQ Level 5 in Construction Management (BSE)"