Meet Mike Young, Construction Director at AJC Group, who oversees the Construction and Health & Safety departments, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards.
With a team of 10, (and more joining soon) Mike plays a key role in managing build programmes and refining processes to keep everything running smoothly.
Based in our Sandbanks office with incredible views, Mike is dedicated to driving quality and efficiency across all our projects.
Career Journey & Aspirations
What’s your work background?
I started my career as an apprentice carpenter and was lucky to be guided well – actually getting hands-on experience, which wasn’t always the case for everyone in my course. I then worked for a small development company specialising in smaller builds and extensions, where I learned a lot from working closely with other trades.
Wanting to move “off the tools,” I transitioned into a Trainee QS and Buyer role for an SME, later becoming an Assistant QS while going back to college. I then gained experience in Site Management, progressing from Assistant Site Manager to Site Manager, where I was proud to win an NHBC PIJ and a Seal of Excellence.
After moving to another company as a Site Manager, my Contracts Manager suggested I apply for his role when he was leaving. I did, and I got it! After nearly four years as a Contracts Manager, I joined AJC as Construction Manager, later becoming Head of Construction, and now, I’m proud to be the Construction Director.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in various roles and have deep respect for each one. Construction isn’t an easy industry, but it’s one I love.
What do you love most about your role, and what are you hoping to achieve in the future?
I’m passionate about every aspect of my role. The work we do, the people, the clients, and the industry itself. My goal is to continue improving standards and making a positive impact.
What are the key areas of the business that you focus on?I use pre-construction information to develop build strategies, establish programmes, and identify and mitigate CDM risks throughout projects. I also introduce and implement new processes, procedures, and standards within the Construction and Health & Safety departments, ensuring we meet business KPIs while supporting the team in delivering their best work.
Additionally, I manage personnel within these departments, striving to maintain a motivated, high-performing, and happy team.
What’s one valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
There are many, but one key lesson is that teamwork is everything. Each department depends on the others – commercial needs technical, construction needs commercial, and so on. If one part fails, the whole process is affected, but when everything works together, success follows.
Getting to Know You
What was your first-ever job? How long did you do it, and why did you leave?My first job was a paper round, which in hindsight felt like slave labour! I also worked weekends on a chicken farm collecting eggs, which was actually quite cool. I stayed there until I started my apprenticeship.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Cliché, but a footballer. Maybe there’s still time!
What’s your favourite sport or team?
Football is my favourite sport, and I support Arsenal.
Would you rather be able to fly or breathe underwater?
Fly – you could go anywhere in the world for free!
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I have a bit of a sweet tooth… but I think some would argue my guilty pleasure should be “Just For Men”!
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy watching football, playing golf, tennis, fishing – pretty much anything sports-related.
Do you have a claim to fame?
Not exactly, but I could probably be famous for having the worst hangovers in history!
Travel & Life Goals
What’s the Best Place You’ve Ever Visited?
There are a few, but travelling through Venezuela was incredible! Jungle, city life, the world’s highest waterfall, a Caribbean archipelago, coral reefs, and amazing wildlife.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Probably building my own house, but since I’ve done (and am doing) plenty of renovation projects, I wouldn’t lose sleep if I didn’t!
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My family, of course (in case they see this). Otherwise, cleaning products – I’m a little OCD!
What’s your ideal holiday?
I love the idea of beach holidays with cocktails and relaxation, but I also enjoy skiing, camping, and adventure trips.