An Interview with Phillip Thompson

Select Plant Hire has built an excellent reputation as one of the UK’s largest – and most diverse – suppliers of choice for equipment, accommodation and services to the construction industry. Select understands the critical role that logistics, engineering, working environment, safety and reliability plays in modern construction, and our considered approach ensures our customers receive so much more than the tools to get the job done.

Our organisation predominately provides plant and equipment to construction projects across the UK and Europe, Select also train and integrated multiple intakes of apprentices each year across all fields of job role.

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My role within the business is to aid with bringing in multiple contracts to the business specialising within the Modular Accommodation business, this product area enable the workforce to have a warm office and enjoy a “brew” whilst on breaks. Wellbeing is at the forefront of all we do providing the workplace where people want to come to work.

Select as an organisation provide first class training and mentoring throughout your career journey, they are forward thinking and always strive to innovate driving the industry forward.

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My first day was back on the 4th of November 2009 we were on our business induction in our head office in Dartford, I was in a room with 13 other apprentices, it was a welcoming environment and very productive enabling a full introduction into the business and ethos of the business.

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Spotlight Interview with Phillip Thompson

How did you get into the construction industry?‍

I always had thoughts of becoming an electrician so applied for an apprenticeship after finishing college. From that point my career developed into what it is today through constant learning.

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What has the industry taught you?

‍You are always learning each and every day. Always push yourself to move forward with every opportunity that is presented to you.

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Did you have a mentor? What did you learn?

‍I have had mentors throughout my career so far, this has not only taught me valuable information within the construction environment but also within my own personal environment, my mentors have taught me about different management style that have enabled me to create my own management style and brand which is key to keeping your team driving in the right direction the business wants and needs to go.

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What three things would you tell your younger self?

1. Take every opportunity you can.
2. Work hard.
3. Slow down the pace to enable you to go faster.

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What can you see for the future of the building industry?

The future of the building industry looks fantastic in terms of the projects that are on the horizon mainly within the infrastructure sector. One key focus area however would need to be the labour resource shortage the UK are currently facing. As an industry we need to support and promote apprenticeships in all areas of the construction industry in order for the construction industry to have a brighter future and to continue to grow the industry in the UK

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