I started work with JM Jones and Sons Limited in October 1978 and for most of the first year of my full time working life I worked in the Planning Department. I was supervised by Derek Saines and John Bruce.
My duties included drawing up programmes on a drawing board for projects that JM Jones had. These were often warehouses or offices around Berkshire in England or along the M4 Corridor. I did not do much unsupervised planning as such, but mainly drew up programmes that Derek and John had drafted out.
This was before the age of computers and I worked on a drawing board, correcting errors or updating programmes by using a razor blade to scrape off the old information the rubbing with an ink rubber before putting in the new data. I also did the printing using a printing machine to give paper copies for the sites. I would also deliver the copies to the sites, meeting the Site Manager and becoming more knowledgeable about construction works.
I was also responsible for the maintenance of surveying equipment. I would ensure that levels and theodolites were working properly, sent for repair when necessary. I would deliver these to sites when required and maintained the paperwork for control.
During this time in my career I also studied RICS Part One at Reading Technical College one day a week.
