I started my career back in October 1988 as a Career Trainee at the luxury department store Harrods in Knightsbridge, London. I subsequently completed the Executive Training scheme and then the Advanced Management Scheme eventually rising through the management ranks to Buyer.In 1993/94 I had a career break and travelled to Australia. I worked part time at Myer in Queen St Mall in Brisbane. This was a brilliant free and easy time but of course all good things come to an end and I ended up back at Harrods as manager in the Childrenswear department and joining the Advanced Management program. I had a fabulous time in the Childrenswear area working in all departments and finally becoming Buyer in Junior Collections and School Uniforms. I left in February 2004 to start my own luxury childrenswear business.In March 2004 myself and business partners opened a lovely boutique in Clapham, London selling children's clothing, accessories and toiletries. We also had a thriving children's hairdressing area. It was a truly local shop and we got to know our customers and their children and participated fully in the Abbeville Fete along with our fellow shops and businesses. Sadly rent charges and business rates were too much for a fledgling business and we closed our doors in September 2006.After a couple of weeks temping I was lucky enough to stumble into Lynx on a short three month contract. This stretched into a full time role and I have been here ever since!It was certainly an eye opener to move into the Construction Industry after a long 15 year stint in retail but I soon found my feet and settled myself into my role as Project Administrator. I took on more and more responsibilites including training and development of the site teams. This is where I first came into contact with the CITB, then joining the HCTA and ending up on the committee and now as its Chair!In 2014 life turned a full circle and I was back to being a buyer but instead of chidren's clothes, schoolwear and ballet tutus, I was buying concrete, hiring plant and organising muck away! Similar skill set but totally different product! And this is where I am today; still working in the fast paced construction industry in a company that has gone from strength to strength.My everyday job is interesting, sometime stressful but always fun. I work with a fantastic team.I'm really proud of my involvement with the HCTA and all that we do to promote skills and training but our finest achievement must be i-construct an annual event designed to encourage young people into the industry!