A career in public service building control: Jordan Carr

07.07.2020

Blog Post

Jordan Carr, Building Control Surveyor at North East Lincolnshire Council gives us an idea of what working in public service building control is like, and how following the LABC qualifications pathway has helped his career progress quickly.

What made you decide to work in public service building control?

I first became interested when I carried out my school work experience placement for local authority building control. I went on to work for a local housing developer and therefore came into regular contact with building control surveyors. When I saw a job vacancy available locally I decided to apply for it.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy the variety of jobs I am able to be involved with. Both commercial, domestic and the other statutory duties such as dangerous structures, demolitions etc. I am on the out of hours call out rota for dangerous structure work, which is a challenge but highlights the need to be level headed, well trained and consistent.

What’s a typical day like in building control?

A typical day may involve around a 50:50 split between the office and site. Once logged in in the morning I check for requested visits and arrange my visits, make calls and ensure that I have the correct information for the inspections. On return I will complete all of my site records, undertake plan checking or "off the job" training from my colleagues or virtually using LABC’s VLE. I am also a member of our organisation's employee forum which I find interesting and rewarding. I spend one day a week on my degree course along with additional time in the evenings and weekend.

The LABC qualifications pathway is a great way to expand your knowledge and experience and will undoubtedly help with career progression within building control. But it's also a great way to meet other building control professionals from all areas across the UK that you can stay connected with.

Jordan Carr

What qualifications are studying/have you studied with LABC and why?

The first course I went on was the Domestic Plan Check course by LABC which I found very informative. This then led me to enrol onto the Level 5 Building Control Surveying Diploma. This was much more in depth and I felt the knowledge I gained from this course has greatly helped in my role and career. I'm now in the 2nd year of the Level 6 degree in Building Control Surveying and hoping to have passed and potentially be a chartered member of CABE this time next year.

How are your studies positively affecting your day to day role and your career prospects?

Carrying out the different LABC courses has enabled me to progress from a trainee position to Assistant Building Control Surveyor and now to a Building Control Surveyor in around three years. This along with the site and office-based experience I've gained from the knowledgeable team around me has helped me move through the ranks fairly quickly.

What’s next for you in your career?

I hope to complete my Level 6 Building Control Surveying degree and become chartered. This will enable me to take control of more complex projects in the district and undertake partnership work. Along with the relevant experience, I would be keen to progress further within the organisation.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining LABC's qualification pathway?

The LABC qualifications pathway is a great way to expand your knowledge and experience and will undoubtedly help with career progression within building control. But it's also a great way to meet other building control professionals from all areas across the UK that you can stay connected with.

Find out more about LABC qualifications

Or start your career in building control