Jamie-leigh Blair - Cumbria Talent Force

Q&A

— Give a short overview of your career journey after school

I completed my GCSEs at St Benedict’s before progressing to the Energy Coast UTC, where I achieved my A-Levels. I then began a Level 4 Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship with Morgan Sindall, which I have now successfully completed. Recently, I have taken the next step in my development by starting a Level 6 Project Management Degree.

— What do you love about your job?

Engaging with new people every day and building strong working relationships. Travelling to a variety of locations to visit suppliers and broaden my industry understanding. Continuing to develop within my role while also expanding my experience into other areas of the business.

— What piece of advice would you give to young people about finding their best next step?

There are so many paths, careers, and opportunities out there that you might not have even heard of. Finding the right direction takes time, experience, and a bit of exploring. Stay open, try new things, and don’t put pressure on yourself to have it all figured out right away. Your next step will become clearer as you learn more about what you enjoy and what motivates you.

— What three essential skills do you think have helped you to be successful in your job?

Listening, Aiming High, Teamwork.

— What advice would you give to someone considering working in your industry?

1. Explore the breadth of the industry. Infrastructure is huge and there are many roles that aren’t widely known, so take time to research different pathways. You might discover opportunities that suit your strengths far better than the “traditional” routes you’ve heard of. 2. Be prepared for a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Infrastructure projects are dynamic where no two days are the same, and you’ll often work with diverse teams including engineers, planners, contractors, suppliers, clients, and regulators. If you enjoy variety and problem‑solving, this industry is full of it. 3. Build strong communication skills early. You’ll work with people at different levels and disciplines and being able to explain things clearly, listen actively, and collaborate effectively is just as important as technical knowledge. 4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Infrastructure is complex, and no one expects you to know everything, especially early in your career. Asking questions shows engagement and helps you build confidence faster. 6. Get comfortable visiting sites and suppliers. Seeing how things are built and understanding how suppliers operate gives you real insight into how projects come together. This is especially valuable if you work in quality, where site presence and supplier relationships make a huge difference. 7. Focus on continuous development. The industry moves quickly so stay open to learning whether that be through apprenticeships, certifications, or on‑the‑job experiences.

— What is the best piece of advice you have been given that has helped you on your career journey?

The best advice I’ve been given is not to be afraid of asking questions. Early in my career I thought I needed to know everything, but I realised that learning from others is one of the fastest ways to grow. Asking questions has helped me build confidence, deepen my understanding, and progress much quicker than I would have on my own.

Someone also once told me, "Don’t rush the learning but build strong foundations." Working in infrastructure and quality, that advice has stuck with me. It reminded me that taking time to really understand processes and standards makes you far more effective in the long run. Good foundations lead to good outcomes, both in projects and in your own development.

Another piece of advice was to say yes to opportunities, even if they feel a bit outside your comfort zone. Every time I’ve done that, it’s led to new experiences, new skills, and unexpected career growth.