Some of you may know Jack Wilkinson as the newest member of the business development team, but we are pleased to say Jack has accepted the role of Graduate Quantity Surveyor – making him the newest member of the commercial department instead!

After graduating from Leeds Beckett University with a degree in Building Surveying in September 2020, Jack joined the business development team as a keen and eager Pre-Construction Graduate in September 2021.

Since immersing himself in all aspects of pre-construction at Howard Civil Engineering, Jack came to the realisation that he instead was interested in quantity surveying.

“I started regularly visiting sites alongside quantity surveyors as part of my role as Pre-Construction Graduate, and I quickly realisedthat I much preferred getting out of the office and taking a hands-on approach, “ he said. “It’s great to see first-hand what’s happening on various sites and be more directly involved in all stages of construction.”   

When Jack expressed his desire to move departments, he says he received nothing but support from his managers.

“I didn’t want to leave Howard Civil Engineering as I enjoyed my time in business development and the company values align with my personal values,” he said. “So instead of looking into new companies I approached my manager to discuss the possibility of moving departments. My managers were supportive the entire way and the turnaround was quite fast.”

In his new role, Jack is currently working on several groundworks projects across Yorkshire, including Gateway 36 in Barnsley and the Leeds General Needs housing scheme. He has been taken under the wing of Quantity Surveyor Ben Pritchard, who joined Howard Civil Engineering as a graduate in summer 2020 and has progressed quickly over the last two years.

“I’ve been working alongside Ben on various projects, and he’s been going at a steady pace, teaching me as and when opportunities arise,” Jack explained. “It’s been good!”

Sounds like a promising new start – good luck, Jack!