Member Spotlight: Morgan Construction Wales’ commitment to developing young talent – James’ Story
The construction industry offers countless opportunities, and for James, it became the perfect way to combine his interests in design, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Journey into Construction
James Lloyd, 24, first dreamed of becoming an architect, drawn by his fascination with construction. However, he faced challenges securing work experience in South Wales. This led him to explore other roles, eventually landing a work experience opportunity in Quantity Surveying with WRW, a local contractor.
“Quantity Surveying offered a great mix of working closely with designs while also managing the practical and financial aspects of construction projects,” James explains. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in the field, where he could work on projects from start to finish.
James began his career as an apprentice Quantity Surveyor at WRW, working toward qualifications in Quantity Surveying and Construction Management. Unfortunately, WRW went into administration during his training, a setback that forced him to rethink his options.
“It was a tough moment, but it pushed me to adapt,” James says. Fortunately, James joined Morgan Construction Wales while finishing his studies and later earned a first-class honours degree in Quantity Surveying. Today, he works as a Quantity Surveyor, managing costs, contracts, and budgets to ensure projects run smoothly.
Support and training from Morgan Construction Wales
Throughout his time at Morgan Construction Wales, James has contributed to significant projects, including building 100 homes in Sageston and 34 affordable units in Llanelli. “Seeing these projects go from ideas on paper, to real homes people will use for years, is the most rewarding part of my job,” he shares.
Every project brings its own challenges and opportunities to learn, and James appreciates how diverse the work can be.
Mentorship and growth under Morgan Construction Wales
Since joining Morgan Construction, James has received strong support for his learning and growth. “They’ve given me hands-on opportunities to apply what I learned during my degree,” he says. The company has encouraged him to take on responsibilities, like revamping the buying department’s processes and improving cost reporting.
“Being trusted to take ownership of these tasks has been a huge confidence boost,” James adds. He credits mentorship and feedback from experienced colleagues for helping him develop his skills further.
One of James’ proudest moments was managing the materials procurement for the Sageston project after a senior colleague left. “It was a big responsibility, but I enjoyed finding ways to improve the process and keep everything on track,” he adds.
In another project, James helped streamline subcontract procurement, ensuring work packages were complete and delivered efficiently. These experiences taught him the value of good planning and communication.
The role of young people in the industry
James believes construction is an excellent career choice for young people, offering a variety of roles and room for growth.
“Start with work experience or an apprenticeship to get a feel for the industry. Ask questions, learn from others, and stay open-minded. There’s a place for everyone in construction”, James advises.
He also sees young people bringing fresh perspectives to the industry, especially around technology and sustainability. “We’re challenging the mindset of ‘this is how it’s always been done,’ which is helping the industry move forward,” He adds.
In the future, James aims to take on more responsibilities managing subcontractor packages, combining his expertise in materials and procurement. “The experience I’ve gained has prepared me to handle bigger challenges, and I’m looking forward to growing even more,” he says.
James’ journey highlights the rewards of persistence and the importance of a supportive workplace. From overcoming challenges to contributing fresh ideas, he’s proof that construction is an industry where you can make a real impact:
“Every day, I see how the skills I’ve learned help shape projects and communities. It’s a career I’m proud to be part of.”
James’ journey shows how degree apprenticeships and strong industry support help young professionals succeed. His story highlights how flexible the construction industry can be, offering many paths to grow and adapt. At CCTAL, we’re proud to support companies like Morgan Construction Wales, who are shaping the future of construction by investing in talent like James.