Darren’s Day: A Wienerberger insight

Meet Darren Bould, Porotherm Site Liaison Manager at Wienerberger. Here is an insight into a day in his working life.

His job sees him spend a lot of time travelling over the country, visiting a number of construction sites and being part of a number of exciting projects for both residential and commercial properties.

His role is crucial, as it is down to him to demonstrate how to use the innovative Porotherm Clay Block Walling System to both bricklayers and site managers.

A day for Darren would often begin by arriving on site and hitting the ground running with the training. Because of the difference between standard walling systems and Porotherm, it is essential the product is introduced properly and clearly to those who will be installing it.

The difference between Porotherm and a typical walling system is within its method of build; as an inner walling system, it is essential that the first course is laid perfectly, as any issues with this stage can sabotage the whole project.

This is why Darren considers the training a very important part of his job. It is also a quicker system to install and a lighter product to handle, so the training is essential to ensure the workers are familiar with the product before using it.

After the intro presentation, he carries out a live demonstration and will lay the vital first course to make sure the rest of the build can run as smoothly as possible as far as Porotherm is concerned.  

The important details that come with using the system means product knowledge in his job is essential. Having worked with Porotherm for over a decade, he is familiar with its benefits and requirements.

Although, he does occasionally encounter people who have had zero experience with it, so he must share his knowledge, something he enjoys. As well as this, he needs to deal with bricklayers who are skeptical about the system because they haven’t used it before.

This is something something he understands and appreciates and once he has explained how it all works and show them how to use the system, they are more inclined to use the product with confidence and ease.

In fact, they often prefer to use the Porotherm system as opposed to concrete.

Once the training has been completed, he offers the bricklayers advice and tips, if necessary, to further ensure that everyone is confident in using the system.

Having began his construction career as an apprentice aged 16, he knows how important training with new products is, as they have enabled him to develop and specialise his skills over the years.

This makes getting the chance to train others, countrywide, in using Porotherm, exciting and fulfilling, he says.

Having gone through constant training throughout his 35-year career, he says it is rewarding to be part of a team that can share knowledge on innovative products with other construction workers.

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