Phil’s Path to Construction Career Made at Stoke on Trent College
“Be the best version of yourself that you can be.”
This was the advice of Stoke on Trent College alumni Phil Cresswell, who studied the HNC Year 3 Construction at the former campus at Snow Hill, a stone’s throw away from the current Cauldon campus.
Phil has now joined the Made at Stoke on Trent College alumni network and is keen to share his experience with future construction workers.
Getting the Construction Bug
Phil points to the careers of both his parents, which helped to mould his decision to pursue a career closely linked to construction.
“My father was an electrical engineer and my mother worked for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and both were influential in what I did with my career,” he said.
As he joined Stoke on Trent College, Phil was working as an Architectural Assistant at Staffordshire County Council, and had designs on becoming Chartered within the Architecture sector.
Phil had previously studied at another college, but attended Stoke on Trent College to complete the additional units of his HNC Year 3 Construction course to ensure he could become Chartered with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technology.
“I’m still a member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technology, and became Chartered shortly after completing the course,” Phil said.
The College Experience
Speaking about his College experience, Phil highlighted the teaching style of his lecturer as something that has always stayed with him.
“I loved the openness of the Course Leader Fred Oakden, who was a seasoned professional and knew the construction industry inside out. I learned a lot whilst I studied,” he shared.
“My course colleagues also became my friends and peers, that I kept in regular contact with. College life had a real vibrancy to it.
“This qualification allowed me to apply for a third-year place at the University of Wolverhampton to join a degree course. I studied at Wolverhampton for four years, and it was a great experience; and with the qualifications I gained, I could practice in Architecture, Surveying and Engineering.”
A Qualification That Became a Career
Since leaving Stoke on Trent College in 1993, Phil has carved out a successful career working in local government, working in and around major construction projects, including his current role as Executive Director for Place at Cheshire East Council.
“I lead all services over the built and natural environment, such as highways, waste collection and disposal, planning services, building control, plus regeneration and investment services,” he explained.
He has previously overseen major projects in Stoke-on-Trent in his role as Corporate Director for Housing Development and Growth at Stoke-on-Trent City Council between 2017 and 2023.
“I was the Senior Commissioner overseeing major projects such as Hilton Garden Inn, Clayworks, The Goods Yard, plus the iconic Spitfire pavilion at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery,” he explained.
Making a Difference in Stoke-on-Trent
Phil feels privileged to have made a difference to the urban realm of Stoke-on-Trent, and is proud to have been made at Stoke on Trent College.
“Stoke-on-Trent is a great city and I’m proud to have been educated in the city and to have also made a big difference to how the City Centre looks today,” he said.
When asked what other advice he would give the construction workers of tomorrow, he said,
“Draft a plan a stick to it; never take no for an answer. If something doesn’t go your way, learn from it and use the experience to become more resilient.”
If you studied at Stoke on Trent College and would be interested in joining the Made at Stoke on Trent College alumni network, please sign up today.
