NG Bailey's Mike Darlington: Climbing the ladder

Why did you go into construction?

My father owned a small local construction company and I used to go on site with him from a very early age. I spent most holidays doing everything from loading bricks to working as a mate for plumbers and electricians.

What training/qualifications do you have?

I initially trained as an electrician and got the City & Guilds qualification, before later acquiring the technician's certificate and BTEC. As my career progressed and my direction changed, I did a diploma in management.

What's the best thing about your current job?

The people I work with. We have some brilliant people at NG Bailey, at all levels, making each day a pleasure.

What was your first job?

I've been with NG Bailey since leaving school, so I guess I have really only ever had one job! However, the first project I worked on as an apprentice was the Crown Court building in Bolton.

What was your last job?

Regional director. As a company, we look towards a more joined-up approach, so my role involved merging three branches into one single arm, with responsibility for the North West and Midlands.

What have you done in between?

After being graded as an electrician I went on to be a supervisor, before moving to an office-based role undertaking junior engineering duties. I then worked as an estimator and project manager, then I ran the Manchester office, then moved to Yorkshire, where I was responsible for Leeds and Sheffield. Then I was appointed regional director, the role I held prior to my current position.

What is your proudest achievement at work?

That I have worked my way up through the business. Throughout my time at NG Bailey I have experienced many of the operational roles, which has given me a great perspective and appreciation of the challenges our people face.

And the most embarrassing incident?

While working at Manchester Airport, we were just locking the cabins up for the weekend when I noticed our stacker truck racing across the site. I immediately presumed it had been stolen and despatched the armed response unit, effectively bringing Manchester Airport to a standstill. However, one of our engineers had lent the machine to the civil contractor for the weekend and he was the one driving it. I had a lot of explaining to do!

What do you see yourself doing in five years' time?

I'm not ambitious in the sense of what my next position will be, but I'm incredibly ambitious in what I think we can achieve as a business. I am completely focused on the job at hand and intend to be looking back in several years' time at outstanding results.

What is your ideal job?

It's hard to beat the role of project manager. Being involved from start to finish, working with the whole project team, really influencing the outcome and seeing the end result is amazing.

What advice would you offer to people thinking about going into construction?

It doesn't matter what age, gender or persuasion you are, or what qualifications you have, there is a role somewhere in the industry for you.