Jesmond Chetcuti

Jesmond  Chetcuti

I work as a Project Manager with a Maltese government entity (The Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation). We specialize in urban regeneration projects, restoration and embellishment projects.

Location Malta

Activity

  • They are very important, but as I said in earlier posts, the awareness is very low and instead of look at the root of the issue and see what is causing stress , anxiety or depression to the their staff, they prefer or to move them to another job or worse, find an excuse to pay them off.

  • Simply fantastic initiatives. I envy (generic term) those employees that work for an employer that respect them so much that offer them this service. Even knowing that this sort of environment exist in the workplace, already make you comfortable enough to open up at an early stage of any issues, as you know that you are not going to risk your job by doing so,...

  • In Malta I dont know of any organization that cater specifically for the construction industry, as i said in previous chapters, the issue is still a taboo, so help an be provided by other general organizations like the Richmond Foundation. Following attending this course i will be contacting some of these organizations and see if they can tackle the mental...

  • Its hard to say it but for me to cope better there is only one way; care less. What I mean is that I should care less, especially when I see others around me dont giving a hoot on things going wrong. As said it is hard, because I believe that `caring` is part and parcel of being professional, during my time in Scotland `caring` was something that was...

  • In Malta, mental health, and in construction especially, is still a big taboo. No matter what the nice adverts say, in reality, you know that if someone try to mention an issue related to mental health, thats it, he/she is branded. Not only the issue is not even investigated, as the cause of the issue probably is right under the companies bosses noses, but...

  • I got 56, what does that mean?

  • As I said in the previous weeks, in Malta the mention of mental health is a stigma. You have to be careful with whom you `open your heart`. Instead of help you might end up in trouble and even risking to lose the job. Not many realize that through their behaviour they are making the lives of other people `hell`. There are people that chose to enter `in a...

  • said it before, the only time that I can relax is when I am in my workshop. The problem is when there are days that I lose the motivation to be with my models. That is not good as it is eating me from inside, not worth it ... and what makes it worse, no one appreciates it ...

  • To be honest , I try to deviate by spending time in my workshop, and in the mornings I try to go to the gym, but I know its not enough. My family is encouraging me to attend some councilling sessions as they can see that I am not in a good shape mentally. The problem is that with or without councilling the problem is not going to go. I am `fighting` a war that...

  • Very good websites

  • trying to change a mentality and a culture that doesnt want to change, that is the main factor that is filling `my tank/container`. How can I discharge some of the tank contents? achievements are hard earned and sometimes I think they are not enough to compensate for how much `I am spending` in effort, but it is my nature, I doubt that I will give up, even...

  • Its hard no to get stressed in our industry, especially locally. Frustration is the name of the game. When no matter how much you try, things and people around keep going the wrong way, its impossible not to stress yourself if you consider your self a person that cares. That is the secret line, what distinguished a person that cares too much from someone that...

  • To be honest I relate more to the symptoms of depression then anxiety, even though its not easy to say that you are completely on one side and not on the other. I have to thank my family for the support they give me when I am in low mood. Ironacaly I feel better when I `cry`, I know its not very masculine, but the relief that comes out with the feeling is...

  • One of the few things that helps me relax is my hobby, modelling aircraft. Some days I spend the whole Saturday in my small workshop, some relaxing or interesting documentary in the background. Time flies. I used to watch every football game on tv, not any more. Now I limit myself only to those of my favourite team. I wish I could relax more but its hard,...

  • It surprise me that the figures are so high. Our industry is a killer and who ever looks at those figures, will be looking to stay away from it. Who in his right mind wants to join an industry that there is a 90% chance of ending up with a depression !! The irony is that the higher the ladder you go the worst it gets. When you think that you are going to have...

  • I wasnt surprised at all. I try to exersise and distract myself with other hobbies, but it is not easy. The pressure to deliver under difficult circumstances is not low. Plus there is also the lack of appreciation by those above. This is the part that hurts the most; when you are taken foregranted and undervalued.

  • From a local (Malta) point of view I dont think that mental health is something that is putting off people entering the industry, its more money and other conditions. To date the awerness is still lacking and the phrase mental health in construction is taboo. They tell you pressure comes up with the job, if you dont stand the heat, dont stay in the...

  • It can get better in some aspects as awerness is more evident, but at the same time and now due to the Covid situation, pressure will be mounting on jobs and work conditions. This will result on pressure and mental issues on the work place.

  • My answer to the above is similar to the one on the previous chapter. It depend on the location.
    In countries like the UK, where the negative impact of mental health, is being quantified, there yes I see and expect an improvement. The benefits will be reaped from both parties, the worker/employee and the employer. Its easy maths, a happy employee/worker is...

  • I think it depends where. In the UK for the past years the issue of mental Health in the construction industry has been given allot of importance (in tandem with H&S). When I lived and worked in the UK (not so long ago), you would appreciate the attention given by the large companies (especially). They understand that a healthy (mentally and physically)...

  • Well, I try to go to the gym at least four times a week. My work involves also allot of walking and climbing scaffold, so to a certain extent my body is doing its bit. The problem is that through stress bein caused by work, even when I am at the gym or at mass, my thoughts are always focused on one thing; work problems. For example last month, I didnt even...

  • I cannot not agree with the above. There is an italian/latin say that say; mente sanna corpore sanno, meaning a healthy brain makes a healthy body. Its incredible how true this is.
    If and when you are or depressed/ stressed/ anxious, no matter what other will be seeing from the outside, from the inside you are like a volcano.
    There are times were you want...

  • My name is Jesmond Chetcuti (Malta). The awerness of issues related to mental health in construction locally is practically nil. Especially at higher levels, stress and anxiety caused by pressure from work is a hidden `killer`, that is not recognised, and to be honest I think, people prefer to close their eyes on these issues and try to blame them on...

  • I might be repetitive here, its about education and sell the product, especially to the younger generation. We cannot afford to not succeed as the cost is going to be high. Mentioned it already, to a certain extent I was lucky to be born and live/ed in country were our ancestors left us `jewels`, the fortifications, auberges and even mega litic temples,...

  • What are the key things you’ve learnt?
    Learnt and got my confirmation, how important is quality in our industry, the cost we pay if we dont put it at the top of the agenda. How it is not that easy to change mentality (across the board not just locally), confirmation also of how hard the CIOB is working and contributing in keeping at the top of the...

  • Michael, I disagree with you when you say that the industry is in a sorry state. Perfect is not, far from that, but I invite you to spend a year or so working in another country (Med. country) and you will classify the UK as at platinum level, and this is coming from someone that worked in both environments.

  • Do you think industry addresses issues with communication effectively?
    Communication, one of my favorite subjects (with quality and H&S). If there is no proper communication no project can succeed. Too many people/offices are involved, thus, a missing link will affect the whole cycle.
    One of the things that I regret the most (since leaving the UK), is that...

  • What are your experiences of team meetings about construction quality?
    From my time in the UK, it was a very helpful experience. Experiences are exchanged, some times certain things are viewed from differently, but since there is the will to improve, and more importantly to learn from each other, I highly encourage these meetings.
    How could you carry out a...

  • I have to be honest here, the three extracts above, can easily be adapted to a construction organization, maybe b or c are the more likely.
    Are they just a paper exercise? Maybe yes and maybe not, depends on who is heading the organization and how much emphasis they do so these policies dont remain just that. I think that medium to bid companies try more...

  • Do you think the PPP approach is suitable for you and your organisation?
    First of all i wish to say, that I thought that Joe Cilia was infact Maltese (Cilia is a Maltese surname), by his accent, he is not.
    Another and the most important, its a joy listening to people like Joe speaking like that, explaining their aims and targets, the benefits etc etc.
    My...

  • How can you embed practical quality change in your organisation?
    Grit and hard work. I am slowly trying to introduce quality check-sheets, quality accountability to every stage of the project life, from inception to hand over. The hardest bit is not having enough backing from those above. It doesnt matter how much I explain the benefits of it all, they see...

  • what you think is the most important aspect of achieving change in an organisation?
    At present , I think that the most important thing to change, is the mentality. Once this changes, or start leaning towards changing then the biggest obstacle would have been over come. In tandem with this should go education. Education and training in all sectors, from...

  • What have been your experiences on the quality journey?
    Nothing new here, my journey started from the bottom, in short made believe that cutting corners deserves a medal (how wrong i was thought), then moved to the UK, I am not saying it was perfect, but miles better then what I was used to before, and what is the more important, good quality wasnt imposed on...

  • Could you see yourself using these steps in your own organisation?
    I made it my goal that I will never stop trying, wherever I am. Most of these steps look like common sense, but its incredible how many companies and organizations just avoid doing them (or some of them) thinking that they will save money. False economy at its best.

    How effective do you...

  • How effective do you think current legislation is in construction quality management?
    In Malta there is a government entity (The Building Regulation Office) that determines standards and quality in construction, but it is so understaffed that the contractors knows it and they are willing to takes risks. Not the first time that photos of irregularities are...

  • Where do you think your country stands on the quality spectrum? Where do you think others are?
    I think that my views on this aspect, by now, are very clear. Always referring the our industry, I have to say that the quality of work has deteriorated rapidly. The regulations are there, but the boom in construction, instead of helping contractors and building to...

  • What is your perspective on regulations?
    Regulations are not only a must but more importantly they are to be enforced. Sometimes its better not to complicate things, as those involved will try to cut corners from the first page, but if they are clear and straight to the point, they are easier to follow and abide with, plus easier to enforce. Once this has...

  • 4) What do you think should be done to improve construction training?
    The industry need to be made attractive. Young ones must be sold `a dream` , training to arrive to that dream should be just a stepping stone ... the industry must be sold not only for its financial gains, but more then anything, for the pride of being part of something unique...buildings...

  • 1) What have been your experiences of training in construction?
    Started as an apprentice, but was young at the time and didnt appreciate what apportunities were in store for me. When I matured a bit more, always within the industry, I studied to become a Land Surveyor/Engineer and then moved to management in my mid 40s. Most of my managerial training came in...

  • If you were looking to improve the competence and professionalism of your industry, what things would you implement?
    I think that more focus should be given to training. Apprenticeship should be more then encouraged, companies should be supported (even by paying part of the apprentice re numeration/wages). The industry need to be made look more attractive and...

  • Being away from the UK for some time now, I attended similar course in Malta and on line. When I was back in The UK I attend some of those courses (SMTS) and others but,now I am due a refresh. Renewed my CSCS Card a few months ago, got also its local equivalent (Skill Card), wish to say that the level of training is so low compared to that in the UK, plus...

  • Do you have examples of how quality is being tackled from other professional bodies, in construction or other industries? Have they been successful? What more could bodies such as the CIOB do in this area?
    To continue with my previous post, I know that architects have their code of practice, engineers have it too plus code of practice (that to a certain...

  • What is your understanding of quality management and control in your region? Do you have specific rules and regulations? Are their specific roles for quality management in construction in your country?
    Not an easy question to answer. Why? because, on paper, all what is listed above is there and enshrined in law. The problem (I am being repetitive here), is...

  • What area affecting quality will you evaluate in your own organisation?
    There are a few to be honest. Quality in the design (tender status especially) needs improving. Mentality still at the status that everything goes and contractors know that can get away with `murder`. Programming and making sure that contractors stick to contract conditions.
    H&S awerness...

  • What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned this week?
    Without a doubt, the regulations (and punishments) in the Hammurabi Codes are a bit of an eye opener. Dont expect to go that far, but if really a relative loses his life due to bad workmanship and design, the feeling will not be that much different.
    Another eye opener is the relationship between...

  • What happens in other industries can be applied to the construction industry only , when work is done off site. To achieve this, most of the designs and manufacturing of specific items/phases has to be done off-site. In recent years pre fabrication has Become the way forward. Living units are built in plant yards thus reducing the implementation period (as...

  • what do you think history can teach us about managing construction quality?
    I have to say that those that came before us were much more aware and proud of what they were doing. I am privileged that I live in a country that my ancestors left us a `mine` of building jewels. These vary from the Megalitic Temples to the Fortification built under the guidance of...

  • 1) Your experiences of the impact of mental health on construction quality.
    This is a hidden bomb. I explain, many workers, being a tradeperson or a professional, most of the time keep mental issues, mostly caused due to stress from work, inside them. Maybe those close to them will notice a change in behaviour, relationships can break down, cause, its like a...

  • Is quality free?
    If specifications and drawings are clear, then good quality is already included in the price (of the job), so you can say it is free at least from that aspect, but for the client to make sure that good quality is being given, then, that bit of extra quality doesnt come free. Its up to the client to decide which path he wants to...

  • In regard housing, I think it is also about money and how much the client is ready to spend. House builders do their workings, know how much is the real cost to build a house, properly, and how much profit they want to make. Looking at the video, most of the defects/snags could have been easily avoided if a proper QA system was in place, but you need staff to...

  • Like everything else and in every other aspect in life, to gain a good reputation it takes a lot of hard work, years of it and investments , both in plant/machinery but more importantly on human resources. To loose it all, it just takes one job and as mentioned in this article, via social media and networking, you lose it all. Before companies expand they...

  • I want to be honest here, reading the above, fills me with joy but at the same time it depresses me. Why? Cause I know that what I believe in is the right thing and fellow professionals share the same beliefs and values. The depressing side of things is that, no matter how much I try to arrive to that target (raise quality), the harder is getting. Not because...

  • I measure good quality through time and cost. If things are done properly, money is saved, and time is saved. No need to revisit, snagging time is reduced.
    Why it matters? The above paragraph says it all, if you implement a good quality system, you will be saving money and time. Not by cutting corners, but by following the system.

  • Hi I am Jes Chetcuti from Malta, this is my second experience ona Future Learn Course, the first one was on Ethics in Construction. I have a feeling that there is going to be allot in common between these two courses, as I see Ethics and Quality are to progress in tandem, you cannot have one without the other (at least in our industry),

  • see that you learned a word or two in Maltese ... ;-) ...

  • Getting to know like minded individuals was one of the most positive aspects of the course. From my time in the UK I knew that my mentality and mind set was the norm and very much common. Returning to a totally different mentality was not going to be easy but being a member of the CIOB is a guarantee that I will be always in company of like minded...

  • To be honest, I will not be changing much in what I am doing. I only recently became member of the CIOB, and achievement that I have been working for for the past 18 months. What I learned during the CMP Course confirmed not only what I already knew but introduced me to better standards and new things. I will keep `fighting` against the `cob web` of years of...

  • As said earlier, ethics is something that its ingrained in you. The environment that surrounds you conditions your behaviour. If you are surrounded by people that for them ethics is a chore, then it is hard work to implement your ethos. Some will tell you that you are right in what you are saying and what you want to do but in reality they just want to cut...

  • Good idea but never heard of anyone...at least down here in Malta

  • Agree 100%, but its hard work to make those above understand. Unfortunatley, my superiors are political appointees and for them the short term is more important than the long term, still my mentality is not going to change... I consider the projects that I manage the same as if `my own house` ...so what I dont want in my house, I am not going to accept it on...

  • Its a daily struggle ... its not easy to change a mentality that `worked` for years ... in certain cultures, the status quo is the past, the present and the future ... most of the time `change` means to spend more money, even though it will be worth while in the long run... but its not easy to explain ... its like knocking on a block wall ... at the end you...

  • 100% agree Simon...

  • I would be feeling great ... designers do their work properly and there is no need to check every drawing, subbies working to the specificatons, contract drawings and contract conditions, subbies are paid in time, weather is bad only on Sundays and at night .... anything else ? ... this is fantasy, I will take at least that contractors (or subbies), do their...

  • I am surprised with the results, especially the first question. Never imagined that so many companies have a code of ethics !!! ... still between having the document in place and implement its contents, the gap is a bit too wide...but as long as the document is there, I am sure that slowly more and more firms will appreciate the benefits of ethics in the...

  • Since coming back from the UK four and a half years ago, I never stopped harping about quality, standards and ethics, and I never will. I feel that whilst in the UK I was brainwashed in how things should be done and why they should be done like that. Until I remain in Malta I will keep insisting on values, ethics and quality...I joined the CIOB when many asked...

  • Good sheets are the: Plus Model, Ethical Acid Test and the 21 questions where there is no code of conduct ...they are printed and on my notice board for other to see...

  • In my case (whilst in Malta), the client is the one and only, `Tax Payer`. So not an easy tusk to please everyone affected by the specific project. The general public, most of the time is looking forward for the new project/development, they keep asking when the works will start etc etc. The problems start when the contractors appointed are not the best and...

  • To be honest apart from the odd Christmas hamper I dont receive any sort of thank you gift. In Malta the hospitality thing at football stadiums does not exists, so from that aspect no issues. Other senior officials are tempted with some other `favour` but I made it clear from day one .... I am happy with what I am payed and from contractors and subbies, I...

  • I think that there is a bit of a conflict of interest there and your client wasnt fair on you. I think that you feel obliged to follow `the recommendation` as you know that if you dont, there is a chance that you will, or lose this client or drop in the pecking order to other firms using his brother`s services.
    I dont think that, officially there was...

  • No doubt that my company should, and not only my company but the whole construction industry in Malta is in dire need of using this checklist.

  • If for the four questions the response would be NO, then there is only one way to go....resign. I understand that sometimes you need to compromise but there is a limit to how much .... I always keep in mind (and tell others to think about it before taking decisions), that if you commit to something today, you are to carry the responsibility of that decision...

  • My opinion didnt change. For me legislation or not, everyone must be treated with respect and no one should be put in an uncomfortable position , with no difference in sex, sexual orientation, religion or nationality ...

  • Scenario A , I think I would say nothing, still I dont think that there was that much wrong in what this person said to the lady, but I understand that it might be taken badly and offensive.
    Scenario B, especially if there is no female presence in the office, I would classify this incident as pure banter. On the other hand if there is female presence its...

  • Referring to some of the comments below, I have to agree with those that mention nepotism as a scar on the industry. The truth is it happens almost everywhere and in all sectors. Working in a government entity you will notice that the senior management/executives are all political appointees and few, if any, have a clue of the corporation operations. In three...

  • Yes compliance costs, but at the end of the day we are living in the 21st century, having respect is an obligation, respecting the workers, respecting the environment, respecting the general public, respecting the tax payer...etc etc ...its all about respect ... rules and regulations are there for a reason ... they are a guide, minimum standards ... if we...

  • As per the words of Andrew in the previous interview, Ethics will continue where the laws and regulations stop. Initiatives are put in place for the benefit of all...the company and who works for the company. If all involved are happy and look forward to turn up for work, thats mission accomplished .... the rest will take care of itself .... I know it might...

  • As I work with a public entity I dont experience much issues in this regard. We have a policy of 30 days payments follow certification of invoice (written on each contract signed), and we tend to follow it ... cash flow is not an issue for us as before we commence a project the central government already would have given us the funds. Some issues crop up when...

  • From my experience in the UK, I have to say that I never encountered any trace of slave labour and all workers on my sites were treated with respect.
    On the other hand in Malta, and again, something that is happening more often in recent years and due to the amount work on the island. Third world operatives are being brought to the island to work. The first...

  • As is expected in Malta `big` contractors are relatively few. The bulk of the work is done by small and medium sub-contractors/contractors. To note also the value of the majority of the jobs on the island are relatively small in relation to projects in the UK. A 15 million pound project is considered a big project in Malta, were in the UK is considered as a...

  • The Quality of the work is becoming poorer. There is so much work that unskilled labour is being used. Contractors are not interested in training staff or importing qualified and trained staff. They are only bothered on how much profit they make.
    Health and Safety is a joke. Similar to the environment issues, rules and regulations are similar to the rest of...

  • Quite a long list in my countries case. Bribing is rife, so is corruption. Cartels are easily formed and a dozen or so construction companies, dictate the prices and even split the island between them (area of influence). If a foreign bidder (unexpectedly) comes about, these contractors will go `crying` to the government, that the foreign company won a tender...

  • I recon that Codes of Practice are like our Bible (CIOB members). Who wrote them did it for a reason. If you are not prepared to follow them as best as you can, there is no use to be part of a professional body. I think that values and work ethics are something ingrained inside you. Maybe some people join a professional body because `they have to` as a...

  • Following two years of hard work, now I am proud to say that I became a member of this special family of fellow professionals. My years working Scotland drove me to improve every day and raise the bar. It felt natural for me to seek in joining the CIOB, now that I achieved that goal, I am making it a point to keep improving even further. My next step/move is...

  • @TafadzwaMputa at least the quality of the work was good, down in Malta almost everything is 3rd world level, even though the regulations and payments are not far away from those in mainland Europe (and UK). Problem down here is that, there is too much work and not enough contractors and workers to do it, so for something to be done we have to accept...

  • cont.they send the men home and claim a day !!!), and what is worse, you can do nothing about it, cause those above, prefare to be chaps with the contractors then to confront them. It is very difficult if you have high ethos to live in an environment like this, there are only three choices, or join the band, leave the industry or leave the country, with all...

  • In my case, I had the opportunity to live and work in Scotland for 10 years, and the difference in the approach is, yes, like night and day. What I mean, contract administration in Malta is nightmare. Conditions, specs and standard stuff that you find in a construction project contract are no different from the ones in the UK and in mainland Europe. The...

  • I agree with the three core values listed above and I try to implement them as much as possible. Ironically at my present job at least two of the values listed are implemented (especially the balance between work and home). For the rest, I think we are is lacking. Accountability and employee recognition is on the low side. So is information sharing and...

  • I am living a similar experience at present Saad....in reference to your previous company .... on paper they say one thing but in reality they tell you to do the opposite...its just marketing ...

  • I think I made a reference to this already, unfortunately there is a bit of a gap between my values and ethical behaviour and how my employeer operates. To be honest, I am the only one that worked abroad for a long time before returning to my island, thus I brought with me the ethos I had ingrained in me whilst in the UK. Sometimes I feel like Gulliver. At...

  • I think it is a no brainer. Its almost impossible for a value driven organization to fail. Who operates within the organization is happy and will over perform. They will not want to leave the company if they are treated with respect and rewarded for their efforts. This positivity will naturally be transmitted onto the clients, thus clients will return and...

  • At the moment I think, yes, how I spend my time reflects my values, at least on the family aspect and because at the stage the projects I am working on at the moment are. In the past and probably in the future it will happen again, the balance between family time and work time will tend to lean more on the work side then the family time. Not that enjoy it, but...

  • It wasnt easy for me to pick just 10, there were at least another 10 that I could have easily included them in my top 10 list. Still, look forward for the result now.

  • The more I go through this course (course presentations and fellow student contributions) the more I realize how hard it is (at least down in my country) to behave properly, ethically and how hard it is to sustain good values ... I need to find a way to get out of here or else I will end up being `swallowed` by the system. End up have to do things to please...

  • Values, a word with so many meanings and interpretations. As mentioned above, values for someone might seem obstacles for others. What I mean is that someone might have values that will prevent him from doing certain things to achieve goals. For others, as long as the goal is achieved, there are no values, thus the values of the first one are seen as obstacles...

  • I think that with time awareness increases. Through maturity you learn things. As you make mistakes, you learn and hopefully try to avoid repeating, for the benefit of your job and yourself.I tend to read allot about leadership and management and even though I am just over 50 years old and have been in the industry for close to 30 years, I always tend to find...

  • https://pediaa.com/difference-between-values-and-principles/

    I think this articles says it all ...
    had to google it as for me I dont think that there isnt much between values and principles. The more you read in it the more I see that its hard not to have them both.

  • At least one of the advantages being in Malta is the work life balance is quiet good. I wake up at 4.45 in the morning, go to the gym at 6 and get the ferry at 7.30. By 8 I am at the office. Day is always busy, so time flies. In the evening at 5 ish , back to the ferry and home by 6. Its pretty much routine at the moment. Once my projects pass from pre...

  • The importance of ethics in construction, importance given by the CIOB and reading contributions from like minded individuals.
    Having the comfort that it is not only me that feel pressurized from above to close an eye on ethical behavior and I am not alone in fighting it.

  • another aspect is importation of cheap labour from the far east. Its not uncommon to meet a `doctor ` full of doctorate, mixing concrete on site getting paid the minimum wage, when the contractor is making over 30% of profit from the specific job.

  • Unfortunately down here corruption in the construction industry is on the up side. This varies from contractors offering money or gifts to site staff to close their eyes on bad practices and bad workmanship, right up to contractors forming themselves in cartels, were they divide the country between themselves, in that way they dictate the prices. Its...