My journey in the Building Materials Industry

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If you’re looking for a career that offers long-term satisfaction, opportunities for growth, and a sense of community, the building materials industry might just be the perfect path. My name is Paul McGill, and I’m the Operations Director at JT Atkinson, a Builders Merchant with 37 branches across Cumbria, Yorkshire, and the Northeast, and I’d like to share why this industry has been such a rewarding journey for me.

I grew up in Barrow-In-Furness, where most of my peers were expected to join the shipyard at Vickers Ltd. When I didn’t meet the requirements, I found myself unemployed, scanning the local newspaper for job opportunities. One day, I came across an opening at a Builders Merchant called Ferguson Cumbria. At the time, I had no idea what a Builders Merchant was.

I started by unloading wagons, managing stock, and serving customers. Over time, I transitioned into sales, which led to opportunities at other companies, including manufacturers and other merchants. I worked my way up to Branch Manager, then eventually became a Regional Director at Travis Perkins. After many years in that role, I joined independent merchants, JT Atkinson where I have stayed 8 years.

A Great Industry for Personal Growth

The building materials sector offers never-ending opportunities for career development. I started out with no experience and no clear direction, but through hard work and the supportive environment of this industry, I’ve achieved several high-level roles.

“If I can do it, so can anyone.”

What’s great about this sector is that you don’t need to have specific skills or extensive experience to start; what really matters is having the ability to create a rapport with people. Product knowledge and system and process expertise can be learned on the job.

Building a Community, Not Just a Career

One of the best things about working in this industry is the relationships you build over time. In the Builders Merchant world, you get to know your colleagues and customers well. The tradespeople we serve are often fun, down-to-earth people, which makes the workday enjoyable. Plus, the long-term friendships you form are invaluable.

Where else would you find colleagues who have been working in the same company for 20, 30, and even 40 years. We’re a dedicated bunch who want to help our team members grow and realise their ambitions, no matter where they start. This sector also prides itself in giving back to the communities we operate in, through local events, sponsorships, fundraisers and more.

A Proud History and A Bright Future

In this industry there are many businesses that have been around a very long time. JT Atkinson was founded in 1860 and is still family-run. I think this creates a sector which has a workplace culture with deep-rooted family values and long term vision… where people genuinely look out for each other which makes coming to work something to look forward to.

If you’re unsure where your career is beginning or heading, why not consider the building materials sector? We’re always looking for motivated individuals who want to grow with us. If what I’ve shared resonates with you, you never know, this could be the rewarding career path you’ve been searching for.

Paul McGill

Find out more

Inside Building Materials

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LEAP Apprenticeships
LEAP apprenticeships are avaliable to all building materials sector businesses wanting to upskill their new and existing workforce.
6 September 2024