When Stuart Jones decided on a career change from plumbing into building control, he was able to draw on the experience of his uncle, a veteran in the field.
After more than 12 years installing heating systems and repairing pipes, Stuart felt ready for new challenges. He applied for the LABC traineeship scheme and, after a successful application and interview, was seconded to CNC Building Control in February 2022. CNC is a partnership of five local authority building control departments: South Norfolk Council; Norwich City Council; Broadland District Council; Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk; and Fenland Council.
For Stuart, his background gave him invaluable practical knowledge that has been helpful as he finds his feet in the world of building control. “Just knowing your way around a building has been so useful,” he says. However, the complexity of regulations still proved an awakening. “I thought I was going to know everything, but there’s so much more to it than I realised.”
Nonetheless, Stuart took to site inspections with zeal. He’s witnessed first-hand where builders sometimes need guidance to ensure compliance with the building regulations. “The most common oversights occur when standards get updated,” he observes. They’ve carried on as they have done for years, but once regulations are clarified they are happy to be informed of the changes and correct the work.”
Stuart gives ample credit for his swift learning curve to LABC’s training programme. “The classroom learning fully integrated into council work. They’ve set us up with a really good scheme,” he says. Stuart has already earned top exam marks for his Level 4 qualification. He also singles out the invaluable support from colleagues. “It’s a very supportive network where everyone lends their expertise freely,” notes Stuart. Moreover, by rotating through departments, he’s built connections across the CNC team.
Stuart expects to stay within the public sector after completing his training. Though private firms have approached him with job offers, Stuart turned them down. “You get such a good experience with a local authority,” he argues. “It gives you a really thorough knowledge.” With a young family, the better work-life balance also appeals. As LABC Chief Executive Lorna Stimpson has asserted, LABC’s academy initiative aims precisely to draw recruits like Stuart who crave career growth alongside flexibility. For Stuart, construction has always meant more than professional credentials. It is knowing his work helps guarantee safe buildings for everyone.
For further information on the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) funded trainee scheme click here
