Climbing the Ladder: David Le Lohé, Raymond Brown Group

• Name: David Le Lohé
• Age: 60
• Company: Raymond Brown Group
• Job title: Group business development director
• Lives: Bathford, BathWhy did you go into construction?

My father started one of the very first 'self-build' housing co-operatives after the Second World War and as a child I spent many hours at weekends on construction sites.However, I was more interested in bigger infrastructure projects such as bridges and tunnels.

What qualifications do you have?

In 1967, I started with a sandwich degree that combined industrial training and wide-ranging studies. I became chartered fairly quickly after my graduation and I'm also a member of HKIE and CIArbitrators.

What's the best thing about your current job?

I know it may sound like a cliché, but I am lucky enough to work with some great people across the small, yet dynamic, Raymond Brown Group.

What was your first job?

My first real job after graduation was assistant engineer designing the Chichester Inner Ring Road subway then working on the Arundel Bypass with West Sussex County Council.

What was your last job?

I was with Birse for three years. During my time there I helped expand the company's regional presence, establishing a new office for the South West and Wales.

What have you done in between?

It's amazing to realise that I have more than 40 years' experience in the industry. I have worked in both public and private sector organisations, with the latter half of my career specialising in project management with major contractors internationally and then business development.

What is your proudest achievement at work?

It's difficult to define just one, but I would love to go back and look at the three hard rock tunnels, 23 bridges, 109 culverts and the 4.5km of retaining wall, which were all built in just two years over a 17km mountain section on the Shurgaz to Mirjaweh trans-continental highway. This was my first overseas assignment in the late 1970s.

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

Still working! But I would like some time to get back to sailing before old age sets in.

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

Try to talk to as many industry enthusiasts as possible, find a mentor and get some work experience wherever you can. As the ICE North Wessex Schools Liaison Officer, I try to promote, whenever I meet young people, what a fantastic career the industry holds for all levels of entry - from dumper drivers to directors.