For most sporting professionals there comes a time when age or injury forces them to retire from the game and seek a new occupation. It’s no different for two former professional rugby league players that we have in our midst, Adam Hayes and Darren Turner, who after successful careers can now be seen donning hard hats for Nu Construction.
Former back-rower, Adam Hayes, had already been capped for the England schoolboys Under 16 squad, while he was an amateur at Milford ARLFC in Leeds. He gained his first professional contract for Huddersfield Giants aged 16, in 1998, and made his Super League debut two years later. He went on to play for Keighley, Featherstone, Dewsbury and Halifax.
After a stint in Australia, Adam made the decision to move from being a full-time to part-time player, a change that made him think about his career choices after his rugby days came to an end.
Adam’s first introduction to the construction industry, came more by coincidence rather than design. While playing part-time for Halifax, the father of one of his teammates, Steve Kirk, was a site manager for Nu Construction. Steve got Adam involved with the company, originally carrying out odd jobs and labouring. Enjoying the work and the company, Adam’s passion for construction grew and eventually, Nu Construction sent him on training courses to develop his skills and understanding.
Now celebrating 18 years working at Nu Construction, Adam started as a site supervisor and quickly progressed to managing projects. For these roles, he attended a Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SSMTS) course and achieved a Level 4 CIOB Certificate in Construction Site Management. After completing a Level 6 CIOB Diploma in Building Safety Management, he was then qualified to run construction projects.
There are many reasons why Adam has stayed at Nu Construction for nearly 20 years, but key amongst these is that the company management supports in many ways including career development.
In terms of personal development, he says, “If you want to have a go at something, you will be supported.” He also notes that managers are very experienced and are always looking out for their employees. “If you’re struggling,” he adds, “they will be on hand to support you and give you a hand - nobody lets anybody struggle.”
Adam is particularly thankful for the support he received during the latter years of his rugby career. Nu Construction gave him the flexibility to attend training and matches, even when these conflicted with his work schedule. When a serious injury required him to take 12 weeks sick leave for a shoulder reconstruction, his job was kept open, sick pay was provided and the company stayed in touch to ensure he was supported during his recovery.
Adam isn’t the only rugby professional to join Nu Construction. His Huddersfield teammate, Darren Turner, has also brought his skills to the company. Unlike Adam, forward player Darren had already had a taste of the construction industry before his sporting career, having been an apprentice bricklayer before signing for Sheffield in 1992.
Darren started as a part-time player, then got offered a full-time contract to play in the Super League. After 10 years in the professional game, including playing at Wembley, a trio of knee reconstructions forced him to retire from rugby. It was at this point that he decided to move back into construction.
Having known Darren since they were 16 and having stayed in touch after their time playing together at Huddersfield, it was Adam who first introduced Darren to Nu Construction. Originally, Adam got Darren work as a subcontractor and when a permanent position became available, Darren joined the team as a trainee site manager. He has now been with the company for two years and has gone back to doing what he enjoys best, bricklaying.
Darren enjoys working at Nu Construction, especially because of the warm family feel and the fact that the company goes above and beyond to look after people. “All the staff are brilliant.”
For rugby players and in fact sports professionals in general, coming to the end of a career, or for anyone considering a career change, there are numerous, diverse opportunities available in the construction sector.
By joining a forward-thinking company like Nu Construction, not only will you have the opportunity to work on projects ranging from listed buildings, to state-of-the-art commercial properties, you’ll also be part of a welcoming team that is keen to provide personal and professional support, not to mention training.
For more information about our vacancies visit https://www.nuconstruction.co.uk/news/
