Ken Whan, a Construction Professional with a string of credits to his name, demonstrates that ability, determination and hard work can take you to the top…

Ken Whan, Operations Director at Heron Bros, has 37 years’ experience in the construction industry, but his path to the top of his profession was not traditional.

Leaving school with 8 O-Levels in 1980, Ken admits he had no burning desire to pursue a career in construction. While he enjoyed working on site during the school holidays, making teas and coffees for the workmen, he recalls being on the receiving end of tradesmen tricks. “I was sent for everything – the long stand, the glass hammer, tartan paint, you name it!” he said.

His father, a charge hand joiner, encouraged Ken to take up a joinery apprenticeship when he left school, but the idea of earning and learning did not immediately appeal. Ken was young, and more interested in short-term gain than long-term investment in himself. So he started working as a labourer, earning £80 per week as opposed to the £24 a week an apprentice might take home.

Ken’s first job in construction was with H&J Martin, labouring on the site of the Wellington Park Hotel in Belfast. Eighteen months into this job, Ken was laid off due to a shortage of work.

MANAGERIAL PROGRESS

Ken’s first break in construction came when labouring for Bellisle Building Company based in Dromore, Co Down, under Site Manager Charlie Watson. From the outset, Charlie recognised Ken’s potential and gave him the opportunity to read plans and supervise sections of the external works.

Taking on more responsibilities, under Charlie’s watchful eye, Ken was exposed to many more duties than the average site labourer. With this experience, Ken’s confidence grew. After six months working as a Ganger, Ken was promoted to Foreman on the build of Euro Flowers on Boucher Road. He worked at Bellisle for nine years before moving on to RG Coulter and Co with the aim of further career progression. Here, Ken recognised the value that construction-specific qualifications could bring in climbing another rung up the career ladder. Ken pursued his Site Management Studies through the CITB NI, undertaking his Certificate then his Diploma from 1992 to 1994.

Ken credits Allan McMullen, former Chief Executive of CITB NI, with being his biggest career mentor. “Allan has been absolutely instrumental in fast tracking my career through a focus on continual professional development,” Ken said.

Ken helped deliver the state-of-the-art Sport Ireland National Indoor Area in Dublin.

CIOB MEMBERSHIP

In 2000, Ken undertook his MCIOB, gaining Chartered Construction Manager Status under Allan’s guidance. Equipped with more knowledge of industry best practice, Ken was promoted to Contracts Manager at RG Coulter & Co, where he thrived and developed. He was promoted to Contracts Director, a position he held for four years before seeking other opportunities to advance his career. Ken moved to Heron Bros in June 2002, and taking up the role of Senior Site Manager, he quickly excelled with the company. Within a year, he was promoted to Contracts Manager, and by 2005 he became Senior Contracts Manager. Ken advanced to Operations Manager in 2007 and has been Operations Director with the company since 2009.

Reflecting on his achievements at Heron Bros, along with the countless legacy projects delivered throughout the UK and Ireland, Ken is proud of the role he had in the CIOB, promoting the status of Chartered Building Company, which the company has held since 2010. Ken has been instrumental in the growth of the operational structures within Heron Bros, with a focus on training and personal development.

“We have a very strong Operational Team in place who I believe have respect for my guidance and experiences. Having a mentor can have a dramatic impact on your progression, personally and professionally. I was fortunate to have two fantastic mentors who have helped shape my career. I can only hope that I can provide my team with similar guidance and support.”

Ken has been involved in the Kennedy Centre in Belfast.

As a Fellow of the CIOB from 2012, the organisation is very close to Ken’s heart. Heron Bros broke CIOB records in October 2016 when seven of their employees were conferred as CIOB members. Never in Ireland had so many members from one company been conferred in the same ceremony. Heron Bros will have five engineers working towards MCIOB through the PDP route in 2018. Such success coupled with achieving Platinum Investors in People accreditation (the first UK construction company to do so), clearly demonstrates that Heron Bros is at the forefront of people management and development.

“The CIOB has opened many doors for me through the attainment of professional qualifications and the commitment to Continual Professional Development. At Heron Bros, we encourage and support staff to continually develop and progress as professionals. By becoming Chartered CIOB members, our employees keep their job knowledge and qualifications current and up to date and they commit to abide by a strict code of ethical conduct.”

“My message to young people is that you do not need to take the traditional educational route to have a successful career in construction. Now that is not saying that education does not have its place – it is just not the only path. When experience is married with ongoing CPD, it can present fantastic opportunities for development.”

With the industry moving at a faster pace than ever in terms of modern methods of construction, legislation and technology, it is essential that professionals keep up with changes for the benefit of the public, their employers and clients. The CIOB is now considered the leading professional body in construction management and leadership.

Kingspan Stadium is one of the impressive legacy projects that Ken has worked on.

For more information on the CIOB, contact Karen Menagh on 01344 630847 or kmenagh@ciob.org.uk

www.ciob.org