An Unexpected Start
When Jon Randall looks back on his career, there isn’t a neatly mapped-out plan or a single defining decision that set everything in motion. His journey has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt, often during uncertain times.
Jon began his career in the late 1980s as a Trainee Site Engineer. It was a challenging period to enter the industry, coinciding with the first recession of his lifetime. Like many others in construction, Jon faced redundancy early on and spent a prolonged period unemployed, an experience that quickly made him realise he needed to take control of his next step.
Rather than waiting for an opportunity to appear, Jon went looking for one. He walked to the nearest construction site and asked for a job. Just four days later, he returned to work as a Trainee Materials Technician, a role that would quietly shape the direction of his future career.
Following the Industry Not a Plan
Jon never had a clear idea of what he wanted to do when he left school, and even now, at 55, he admits that hasn’t changed. But while there may not have been a plan, there was certainly a connection to the industry.
His grandfather spent World War II building airfields across East Anglia and North Africa, and his father worked on civil engineering projects throughout the UK and Europe. Looking back, Jon believes it was probably inevitable that he would end up following a similar path.
A Career Built Through Change
After spending 19 years testing soils, aggregates, and concrete, Jon faced redundancy for the second time. This time, however, he saw it as an opportunity for growth. Wanting to broaden his experience, particularly in asphalt testing, he joined a specialist company focused in that area.
As the business expanded, it eventually became part of Phenna Group. Through internal reorganisation, Jon found himself becoming part of CTS.
“I didn’t choose CTS,” Jon says. “CTS inherited me.”
Fourteen years on, it’s a partnership that continues to evolve.
Learning Every Day
One of the biggest misconceptions about Jon’s role is that it becomes routine. In reality, he believes the opposite is true.
“You can learn something new every day.”
CTS has provided Jon with the opportunity to expand his knowledge, deepen his understanding, and, most importantly, use that experience to support others. For him, success takes many forms: learning something new himself, helping someone else understand why something is done, solving problems, or making a meaningful difference.
A Career Highlight at Silverstone
One of Jon’s proudest achievements came when he led a team responsible for in-situ and laboratory testing during the resurfacing of Silverstone Circuit.
The project played a vital role in ensuring the track met the standards required to host both MotoGP and Formula One. This significant responsibility required technical expertise, precision, and collaboration.
An Industry in Evolution
Over the years, Jon has seen the construction and testing industry transform. What was once a physically demanding, manual occupation has become increasingly technology-driven. Embracing new technology, he believes, is key to improving efficiency, enhancing safety, and driving the industry forward.
Advice for Those Just Starting Out
For anyone at the beginning of their career and feeling unsure of where they fit, Jon’s advice is simple and honest.
“We all felt that way. And we all still feel that way at times. You’ll find your own path.”
He’s also keen to challenge one long-standing myth in the industry: that lifting more than you should somehow makes you a hero. If there’s one piece of advice he wishes someone had shared on his first day, it’s this:
“Seriously, look after your back!”
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Jon is excited to continue developing his technical expertise, working towards formal qualifications, and contributing as part of a management team focused on building CTS for the long term.
For someone who never followed a fixed plan, Jon’s career is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t always come from knowing exactly where you’re heading; sometimes it comes from staying curious, adaptable, and open to learning.