Climbing the ladder: Andy Walder, National Construction College

The director of the National Construction College talks us through his CV.

• Name: Andy Walder
• Age: 49
• Company: National Construction College
• Job title: Director of the National Construction College
• Lives: North Wootton, King's Lynn

Why did you go into construction?

In my previous roles at Whitbread and Allied Domecq I was involved in several development projects for new bars, restaurants and nightclubs, which gave me my first flavour of work in the construction industry.

What training/qualifications do you have?

I started off with an undergraduate BA honours degree in geography. Following on from this I have undertaken a wide range of graduate training, from leadership and management courses at Babson College in the US, to health and safety and sustainability training.

What is the best thing about your current job?

Seeing what people can achieve by attending the college. It is fantastic to see apprentices at our annual award ceremonies receive their certificates and prizes, and leave the college with a trade and a career in the industry.

What was your first job?

Graduate manager for Imperial Foods.

What was your last job?

Commercial manager at the National Construction College.

What have you done in between?

I have held several senior management positions with blue chip companies such as Allied Domecq and Whitbread. I joined the National Construction College as marketing manager in 2002, before being appointed commercial manager in 2005.

What is your proudest achievement at work?

Obtaining outline planning permission and funding for the redevelopment of our NCC East site in Bircham Newton. I have also worked with colleagues internally and partners in the industry to open new sites through the National Skills Academy for Construction programme, such as the specialist plant training facility at Eton Manor on the Olympics site.

And the most embarrassing incident?

Having to take flack from the instructors at the college about not being happy to climb our steeplejack tower - I have a fear of heights and still haven't made it up the tower crane!

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

To have continued to expand the NCC with more sites around the UK, and to be training more people.

What is your ideal job?

I really enjoy the job I am doing, but I would love to be able to combine my drive for working with young people with my passion for cricket. It would be fantastic to be a cricket coach where I could enjoy both.

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

I would recommend young people consider a career in the industry as there are so many opportunities and career paths available. We see so many people train through the NCC that move on to achieve some amazing things they can become company directors, senior managers, or even own their own business.