Our MD Paul Blennerhassett who swapped a career in music to build our thriving construction business has told students that whatever path they take “dedication, commitment, aspiration, and ambition” are crucial ingredients for success.

The invaluable advice was given to GCSE students during a visit by Paul and colleagues Hollie Earley, Head of Maintenance; and Non-Executive Business Development Director, John Flaherty to All Saints Catholic High School in Kirkby.

Paul, who grew up in Page Moss, gave an introduction as to his own career development and how he went from pursuing a potential career in the RAF as a pilot, to a singer in a band  that grew quickly on the Merseyside scene after recording an album recorded at Liverpool’s Parr Street Studio’s and supporting bands such as 10cc and Stiltskin, to becoming a managing director of a multi-million pound national construction company.

The presentation focused on the vast array of various careers in the construction sector ranging from quantity surveyor to finance director and how pupils can earn fantastic salaries whilst being a part of one of the largest sectors in the UK. A true ‘jobs for life’ environment.

So impressed by the students’ interest, Paul has agreed that Sterling will do further presentations with the school, workshops and also offer work placements to students who are curious and keen for a career in construction, so they can sample a range of varying roles, before discussing possible apprenticeship positions within the industry and Sterling itself.

Paul who is passionate about corporate social responsibility said: “It was a great experience and I will be doing it again with All Saints, as well as other schools in Merseyside.

“The bit that I enjoyed the most was connecting with the students. I told them that at your age, I had no idea what I was going to do once I left school but once I found music, at 14 years old, and a possible flying career,  my dedication and commitment came fast and focussed as well as my aspiration to do something that saw my own personal development grow. I want to support students, who have an aspiration and desire to do more.

“But the overarching bridge between all of that was dedication, commitment, aspiration and ambition. In the audience were GCSE students wondering where their life was going to go but I wanted to stress that whatever path you choose, if you aren’t dedicated to it, or disciplined in doing what it is necessary, then you won’t succeed. These are time proven facts throughout the entire human history.

Confirming that up to five students will be offered work placement within Sterling, Paul added: “I was well aware that some young people probably don't know much about construction.

“So I said to have a look at our website and have a good think of the range of careers we offer. I'm more than happy to offer some work experience.

“Some might choose the role of electrician, groundworker or joiner, and we're going to give them two weeks of work experience in each division over the school summer term. Hopefully they will then have a bit more of an understanding of what they might want to do if they’d like a career in construction.”

Paul added: “I highlighted that fact that because construction is such a huge sector, the opportunities and careers within are truly endless.”

And Paul also spoke frankly about salaries and the financial benefits of embracing careers in construction.

He said: “I totally get the fact that in some form or another most people are money motivated. And if you can get a job that gives you tonnes of job satisfaction as well as giving you the salary that lets you have a comfortable lifestyle then that's a bonus.

“In my formative years I always prioritised job satisfaction. I wanted to be a musician, I knew it was tough to make money but I wanted to be a musician. And I think that's the key. So I emphasised that it’s not always about chasing the money but if you do want to embark on a career in the construction industry then it can give you a really good income.

“We have groundworkers, some who left school without any GCSEs, earning typically between £40,000 to £70,000 a year. My wife has a PHD which took her 11 years of toil and it’s great when she is referred to as Dr. Blennerhassett but I’ve got groundworkers who we are paying a lot more than she earns”

Paul was also impressed with the ultra-modern school building and facilities – world’s apart from the “old and leaky” school he attended.

He added: “It was fantastic to see. It was really quite enlightening and brilliant to see the students are being equipped with the digital tools they need to succeed.”