Assistants to Qualified Professionals: Laura and Lydia’s Journey at Wilten Construction

At Wilten Construction, we take pride in nurturing talent and creating an environment where ambition and hard work lead to career growth.

Two standout examples of this are Laura and Lydia, who recently celebrated Two standout examples of this are Laura and Lydia, who have both recently celebrated major academic and professional milestones. Having joined us as an Assistant Estimator and Trainee Quantity Surveyor respectively, they have successfully completed their university studies while working full-time.

Laura completed her HNC in Construction and the Built Environment at Moulton College and has now progressed to the role of Estimator. Lydia achieved a High Distinction in her MSc in Quantity Surveying from the University of Nottingham and has stepped into her new position as Quantity Surveyor.

We sat down with Laura and Lydia to reflect on their journeys so far, what they have learned, and what advice they offer to others starting out in the construction industry.

Can you each tell us a bit about your journey—how you joined Wilten and what attracted you to the construction industry?

Laura Waite:

"I joined Wilten when I was 22, employed as an administrator assistant and after 3 months, the directors had given me an opportunity to try out estimating. I have now been with Wilten for 3 and a half years and completed a 3 year course at Moulton College for a HNC, Higher National Certificate, Construction and the Built Environment. I was drawn to the industry to begin a new challenge in an industry that I wasn't familiar with".

Lydia Fry:

"I joined Wilten four and a half years ago, right at the start of the company’s journey—and it was also my first step into the construction industry. Coming from a teaching background, I was given the opportunity to retrain as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, and I haven’t looked back since. I love the variety and pace of the work—no two days are the same—and seeing a project evolve from concept to completion is incredibly rewarding. I began with contract administration and my first on-site experience, and over time, I've grown alongside the company. As my confidence and knowledge developed, I progressed to Assistant Quantity Surveyor, initially supporting Senior QS' before taking on my own projects. Today, I manage 3–4 live projects at a time with continued support from my line manager. It’s amazing to reflect on how far I’ve come. Leading my own projects now is a milestone I’m really proud of".

Now that you have both completed university and stepped into your new roles—how does it feel?

Laura Waite:

"It feels incredible. I've gained a lot more confidence in both myself and my role. I feel more comfortable speaking up in meetings and discussing key topics, and this boost in confidence has had a hugely positive impact on how I perform in my job."

Lydia Fry:

Gaining my qualification feels great and has really helped me grow in my career. I still experience imposter syndrome at times, but I’ve learned to recognise how far I’ve come in just four years. I feel more confident in meetings and building strong relationships with clients and subcontractors. Balancing work and study has been challenging, but effective time management and setting clear boundaries have been key. Regular check-ins with my line manager have helped me stay on track and avoid overload—support from both work and university made all the difference.

How has Wilten supported your development throughout your time here? Is there anyone who has been particularly influential in your growth?

Laura Waite:

"Coming into the industry with no prior experience, the support and development I’ve received at Wilten—especially from Matt, Naim, and Steve—has been incredible. Steve, our Estimating Director, has been an outstanding mentor and teacher, consistently guiding and supporting me throughout my journey."

Lydia Fry:

"Wilten has been incredibly supportive of my development, offering opportunities like university study, training days, and mentorship. The hands-on experience has been invaluable in helping me grow and prepare for my qualification. I’m lucky to work alongside such hardworking and talented QS'—Claudia Barr, in particular, has inspired me with her high standards and representation of women in construction. My line manager, Sam Megeary, has been a constant mentor, helping me deepen my technical knowledge. I’m also grateful to Matt and Naim for their belief in me—supporting my university journey and promoting me within the business. Their leadership continues to motivate me to grow in my role".

What are your professional goals for the next few years?

Laura:

"Over the next few years, I want to continue developing in my current role and building on my skill set while actively developing key skills such as leadership, presentation, and technical/logistical expertise. I also want to deepen my on-site knowledge to strengthen my understanding of the full project lifecycle. I'm also planning to return to university to further my academic and professional progression, and I’m really looking forward to that next step in my career".

Lydia Fry:

"I’m keen to continue developing my technical knowledge to strengthen my expertise as a Quantity Surveyor. Long-term, I’d love to take on a mentoring role—supporting trainee QS' in their own development and helping to guide the next generation of talent in the industry. Being able to share what I’ve learned and give others the same level of support I’ve received is something I’m really passionate about".

What advice would you give to someone starting out in construction, especially young women considering a career in the industry?

Laura:

My advice would be to stay calm, be confident, and know that your presence in the industry matters. Stay committed, punctual, and attentive, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Don’t take criticism personally—learn from it, and stand up for yourself if you encounter bias. Being a team player is essential, and showing you’re willing to support others goes a long way. For young women specifically: you absolutely can build a successful career in construction. Don’t let anyone or anything hold you back from reaching the role or goals you aspire to.

Lydia Fry:

"My advice would be simple: give it a go! Construction is a fast-paced, dynamic industry that offers so many opportunities to grow and challenge yourself. While it can be demanding at times, the rewards—both professionally and personally—are absolutely worth it. For young women especially, don’t be put off by outdated stereotypes. Your voice, perspective, and skills are needed now more than ever. If you're determined, curious, and open to learning, you can build a truly fulfilling career in this industry. Back yourself, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—you’ll be surprised how much you can achieve".

Laura and Lydia’s stories are a testament to what is possible when commitment meets opportunity. Their ability to balance full-time roles with continued learning is an inspiration—not only to future construction professionals but also to our wider team.

As they move forward in their new positions, we look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make across Wilten’s projects.

Congratulations again to both on these well-earned promotions and exciting new chapters!