From school to site: How DEC opened the door to my Construction career

Part of Jersey’s first DEC cohort, Amy shares how industry support, hands-on learning, and real opportunities helped her begin a career in construction.

Amy Kempster
Les Quennevais School
(Jersey)

TQUK Level 2 & 3 Diploma in Design, Engineering, and Construction in the Digital Built Environment (RQF)

CAREER PATHWAY:
Site Management

Read Amy’s story below

“The construction industry in Jersey has seen many changes in recent years … One constant has been the flow of work-ready DEC students who are keen to jump into the industry which they have been learning so much about for so many years.”

CURRENT ROLE/COURSE:
Assistant Site Manager, Rok

Degree in Construction Management
University College, Jersey

RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS:

  • TQUK Level 2 Diploma in Design, Engineering, and Construction in the Digital Built Environment (RQF) – A*
  • TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Design, Engineering, and Construction in the Digital Built Environment (RQF) – A*

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Garenne Group
ROK Construction

Amy first discovered Design Engineer Construct! when she was 13 years old, at an after-school club at Le Rocquier High School.

She enjoyed it so much, she opted for the Level 2 course at 14 years old, achieving an A* grade. She moved to Hautlieu Sixth Form College at 16 years old, opting for the Level 3 course, the most demanding of the DEC programmes requiring an advanced level of knowledge and skills. She excelled here too, achieving A* again.

Amy was awarded ‘Student of the Year’ at Hautlieu’s annual ceremony and was selected to represent the school at the Class Of Your Own celebration event at the House of Lords on 5th July 2023.

Amy is now a trainee Construction Manager with Jersey’s Rok Construction and working through her degree course in Construction Management at University College, Jersey.

Amy is also giving back – she is the lead DEC Ambassador in Jersey. She thoroughly enjoys returning to schools to support and inspire her younger peers through their own DEC journeys, and helping them to learn building modelling software.

Why I studied DEC

“I was fortunate to be part of the first cohort of DEC in Jersey. I studied DEC Level 2 and 3 and, during this time, I was supported by my amazing teachers, the fabulous team at Class Of Your Own, and many industry professionals who gave their time to support our learning.

I now work for ROK, who supported me during my Level 3 studies and continue to support me in my role as an Assistant Site Manager.”

My aims for the future

“The construction industry in Jersey has seen many changes in recent years, all of which have impacted the way companies operate. One constant has been the flow of work-ready DEC students who are keen to jump into the industry which they have been learning so much about for so many years.

I hope that the industry, as well as supporting these young people in school, will continue to open doors through degree apprenticeship schemes and job opportunities. The industry is working to become more inclusive, diverse, and sustainable, but there is further work to do to ensure that this change continues.”

What I would say to someone considering studying DEC

“The next generation of construction are capable, keen, and currently learning in school, waiting to be given the chance to work on island in the industry. Work-ready young people are there – they just need to be seen.”

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