This much I know: Jo Weston of Willmott Dixon Interiors

This much I know Jo Weston MCIOB

Operations director, Willmott Dixon Interiors

‘I’m sure the industry will look very different in 20 years’ time’

In nearly 30 years Jo Weston has witnessed dramatic changes in the industry and predicts technology will shape the way we work in the future

What made you go into construction?

Growing up I always had an interest in construction. My aunt was a quantity surveyor, which gave me a good visibility of the role.

During my A-levels I opted for the management trainee scheme at Willmott Dixon, where I have spent the last 29 years of my career.

Starting on the trainee scheme, I progressed into surveying, before switching into customer management and operations, becoming a director for the business just over six years ago.

What do you remember from your first project?

I was seconded to a project on day two of my employment! It was a site in Luton where we were building 75 dwellings for two housing associations. I look back on it fondly. I learned so much about the building process and met so many great people – some I am still in regular contact with now.

Is there anything in your career you would do differently now?

The industry has changed significantly in the last couple of decades. Looking back, I feel I should have embraced digital construction earlier. We need to keep one eye on the future as I’m sure the industry will look very different in 20 years’ time.

What advice would you give to someone starting in construction today?

My daughter has just started out in the industry, which I am extremely proud of! My advice is to ask lots of questions – there is so much to be learned from being proactive – and don’t expect to know everything straight away. Secondly, embrace My advice to someone starting today is to ask lots of questions – there is so much to be learned from being proactive

Jo Weston, Willmott Dixon Interiors

the many career pathways a career in construction offers.

What has changed the most about construction since you’ve been working in it?

The technology we use in construction has changed immensely, not just in the way we design buildings, but how we utilise offsite manufacture to reduce the timescale and cost of projects, how we manage process and procedures and how we communicate with each other.

Through the pandemic we have seen a mini revolution in the way we work. There are a lot of good learnings that will help shape the way we work in construction over the next decade.

What’s the most valuable training you’ve received and why?

Two standout programmes spring to mind. In 2015 I led the creation of a quality training academy in Birmingham, working with British Gypsum and Rockwool, improving knowledge and skills in trade aspects such as partitioning and fire prevention. Working in a customerfacing role, it was valuable to further my understanding of how these requirements fit together.

Secondly, I have found personal development around the softer aspects of leadership to be valuable. It is important to be self-aware and understand your strengths and weaknesses, to identify areas to improve. ●