Why Experience Still Matters

At Construction North Group (CNG), we believe that while technology and fresh thinking are essential, they must be anchored by the wisdom, judgement, and practical know-how that only experience can bring. And more importantly, we believe that if you truly want to master something, teach it.

This philosophy underpins our approach to apprenticeships, mentoring, and internal development. It’s not just about ticking ESG boxes or meeting quotas it’s about building a legacy. A legacy of knowledge, of standards, and of people.

The Value of Experience in Construction 

Experience in construction isn’t just about years on the job. It’s about understanding the nuances of a site, the rhythm of a build, the importance of documentation, and the reality of client expectations. It’s about knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to pivot.

Unfortunately, we’re seeing a decline in some of these fundamentals. Poor documentation, inconsistent labour quality, and unrealistic client demands are becoming more common. That’s why we’re doubling down on our commitment to quality of information, of labour, and of client relationships. These are the three pillars of project success, and they’re all strengthened by experience I have talked about it my previous article.

But experience alone isn’t enough. It must be shared, nurtured, and passed on.

At CNG, we’ve embraced the idea that teaching is the highest form of mastery. When our seasoned professionals take the time to mentor, coach, and guide, they not only reinforce their own expertise they elevate the entire organisation.

This isn’t just theory. It’s something we live every day. Our apprenticeship opportunities are designed to pair emerging talent with experienced professionals, creating a culture of learning and growth.

And the results speak for themselves.

Joe McMahon - A Rising Star in Quantity Surveying 

Four years ago, a young man named Joe McMahon joined CNG as a trainee Quantity Surveyor. Bright, curious, and hardworking, Joe quickly stood out not just for his technical ability, but for his hunger to learn.

I first met Joe in quite an unexpected way. He had just finished his A-levels at Bingley Grammar School and started a small gardening business for the summer. My wife had responded to an advert on Facebook and booked him to come and sort out our garden. When he arrived, we got chatting. He mentioned that gardening was just a temporary gig, his real ambition was to start a career in construction, ideally through an apprenticeship as a Quantity Surveyor.

I was impressed. You don’t meet many 18-year-olds who know exactly what they want and can communicate it so clearly. Joe was articulate, focused, and just needed someone to give him a chance. So I said to him, “If we get our new office in Bingley (Airedale House) at the time we’ll take you on and send you to college.”

I’ll never forget the moment he turned to his dad, who was waiting outside in the car, and told him what had just happened. His dad looked at him and said, “Son, that’s what you get for using your head.” That exchange has stayed with me ever since.

The rest is kind of history. Joe has now been with us for four years and has grown into a real talent. What he’s learned the challenges he’s faced, the practical knowledge of working on site, communicating with clients and the supply chain has been quite something.

One of my favourite moments in my career so far was when Joe asked both Rob and I for a meeting to pitch for a pay rise. He came prepared, laid out everything he’d learned, the performance of his projects, and most importantly, his value to the business. I’ve held many senior roles in this industry, but no one has ever pitched to me like that. We had no excuse but to give him the raise and he’s had another since.

Joe is not just a success story he’s a symbol of our future. He’s an asset to our team, and while we know his journey may eventually take him elsewhere, we’re proud to continue to play a major part in his development.

Well done Joe, and thank you.

Joelle Hook: From Admin to Asset

Joelle joined CNG just three years ago as an admin assistant. A young mother with no formal background in construction, she was diligent, organised, and eager to contribute but what we saw was potential.

Joelle began a journey of development rooted in first principles. She didn’t just learn the ropes she studied the craft. From admin to assistant estimator, and now estimator, seeing Joelle grow into her role, has been incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally and that the business has been able to support her along the way.

Her knowledge of ConQuest is deep and intuitive. She’s built strong relationships with our supply chain and can confidently manage her projects from receipt to settlement. She’s now winning some very important projects for the business, and doing so with clarity, confidence, and control.

Joelle’s development is a direct success of the master–student dynamic. For the past three years, she’s had the privilege of learning from one of the very best in the industry, Chris Ramsay. Not only is Chris a seasoned professional, he’s a fantastic teacher and mentor. I’ve worked with many estimators over the years, and Chris is truly one of the finest.

Joelle is now an integral part of our preconstruction team. Although she is is still learning, she’s not just doing a job she’s adding real value. Her journey is a powerful reminder that talent can come from anywhere, and that when experience is shared generously, it can provide that person with an unexpected career. 

Well done Joelle, and thank you.

Why Isn’t Estimating a Chartered Profession?

It’s a question I’ve asked myself many times: why isn’t there a recognised qualification for estimating? No institute. No charter. No formal pathway. And yet, in my opinion, it’s the most important part of the construction process because without it, nothing else happens.

Estimating is the foundation of every project. It’s where risk is assessed, value is defined, and relationships begin. It’s not just about numbers it’s about communication, relationship-building, and system adoption. These are the very skills that drive work-winning and long-term success.

Despite its critical role, estimating remains underrepresented in academia. It’s rarely taught in colleges or universities, and when it is, it’s often bundled into broader modules with little depth. That’s a missed opportunity. Estimating deserves its own curriculum, its own standards, and its own professional recognition.

We talk a lot about the importance of delivery, but delivery starts with preconstruction. It’s time we gave it the respect it deserves. A chartered institute for preconstruction professionals estimators, bid managers, planners would not only elevate the discipline, it would help attract and retain the talent our industry so desperately needs.

Until then, we’ll keep doing what we can: mentoring, training, and investing in the next generation. But imagine what we could achieve if estimating had the same status as architecture, engineering, or surveying.

Striking the Balance: Experience Meets Innovation

Of course, experience alone isn’t enough. We need balance. We need a blend of seasoned professionals, fresh thinkers, and high-quality consultants. We need to respect the past while embracing the future.

At CNG, we’re building teams that reflect this balance. We’re combining the wisdom of experience with the energy of youth. We’re creating environments where ideas can flow, standards can rise, and people can thrive. Because in a rapidly changing industry, the best way to stay ahead is to stay grounded in values, in quality, and in experience.

Building a Legacy Through People

These stories aren’t exceptions they’re examples. They reflect the kind of legacy we’re trying to build at CNG. A legacy that isn’t just about projects completed or profits earned, but about people developed.

As a business owner, as a shareholder, and as a leader, I feel a deep responsibility to ensure that our experience doesn’t retire with us. It must be embedded in the next generation. It must be part of our culture, our systems, and our standards.

That’s why our ESG commitments include a strong focus on training and development. It’s not just good business it’s the right thing to do.

Final Thoughts

Experience still matters. It matters in the way we build, the way we lead, and the way we grow. 

It matters in the lessons we’ve learned, the mistakes we’ve made, and the standards we uphold. But most of all, it matters in the way we teach.

At CNG, we’re proud to be a business that doesn’t just build structures we build people. And as we look to the future, we’ll continue to invest in experience, in talent, and in legacy.