Now, more than ever, there is a strong focus to encourage more women into housebuilding and #balanceforbetter, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day (8th March).
One person keen to highlight the benefits of housebuilding as a career is Jay Lewis, 22, a trainee site manager from Linden Homes. Jay started with the company as a business administration apprentice in April 2015, when her commitment was recognised and she was swiftly promoted.
Responsible for assisting the site team, Jay works alongside project manager, Paul Latham, to ensure the new homes are delivered to a high quality, on time and on budget.
“Jay really impressed us throughout her apprenticeship,” Mick Arnold, production director for Linden Homes said. “She’s very dedicated and working in a male-dominated industry didn’t phase her at all. She rolls up her sleeves and gets right into the job and this commitment has earnt her respect from all her colleagues.
“We have two female trainee site managers working for us in the Western region and we’d definitely encourage more women to consider the role in future. A career in housebuilding offers a wide variety of job roles from land buyer to technical manager, labourer to surveyor and we regularly welcome schools to site to help inspire future generations.”
Jay is from Churchdown and attended Chosen Hill School. She lives with her family and her dog, a whippet called Dakota. She enjoys BMXing and was once paid to travel the UK promoting girls in extreme sports, where she rode a BMX in the big indoor parks.
Commenting on her career in the housebuilding industry, Jay said: “My project manager, Paul has been a great mentor and really took me under his wing in the early days. I’m now working towards a level four NVQ in site management and love being on site – the camaraderie is just brilliant.
“A typical day involves assisting in the running of the site, health and safety paperwork, on site health and safety checks, working with different trades and meeting with customers. I am so pleased that I chose housebuilding; many people think of it as a career for men but I am happy to be changing that misconception.”
Jay spent time recently visiting schools to spread awareness of the different careers available in the industry, from technical manager to land buyer, surveyor to marketing manager.
For further information visit www.internationalwomensday.com
-ENDS-
Media can contact Emma Mackay on 077383 12960 for more information, images and interviews with Linden Homes.
References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.
All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.
