Other

Aspiring site manager Amanda urges more women to join the housing industry

- 06 Dec 18

A former customer care specialist with a love for the outdoors is calling on more women to join the construction industry as she embarks on a new career within a national housebuilder.

Amanda McCuloch, 26, who works for Bovis Homes in Basingstoke, said women should not feel intimidated to work hard out on site, as conditions are ‘miles better’ than they once were.

The trainee assistant site manager at Bovis Homes’ Nightingale View location on Priestley Road, says that her role in customer care helped her communication skills and she now wants to progress to site manager.

Amanda, from Sutton Scotney, said: “Out on site there is a lot of respect for everyone on the team, regardless of gender. There is great camaraderie and trust out there and if you work hard and show enthusiasm, you get the opportunities.

“Women should not feel intimidated, they should give it a chance as it’s very friendly and you can progress if it’s merited.

“I spoke with customers all the time in my previous job at Bovis Homes, understanding their thoughts, feelings and feedback. I now have more responsibility and an understanding of how other parts of the business work.

“It’s great experience for me and I’m developing work and life skills. More women should get to enjoy this, and if they like hard graft, the outdoors and relationship building, this is for them.”

Bovis Homes is offering Amanda training and options to apply for college courses. She will spend six months as a trainee and one year on groundwork.

“I love it, it’s working in the great outdoors, in the fresh air – and everyone likes a laugh when they’re not busy working hard,” she said. “Bovis Homes is a top company to work for, with great work perks and they really look after you.”

Amanda was part of a team of construction ambassadors from Bovis Homes who recently visited Henry Beaufort School in Winchester – her old school.

The Bovis Homes group, which included specialists in sales, marketing and build, talked to parents and pupils about the opportunities available, how to get into the sector and the skills required.

Amanda was particularly pleased to see so much interest in the industry from girls, many of whom were considering a career in engineering.

The construction ambassadors, who have participated in a Construction Industry Training Board programme, attend career events in places such as schools and prisons.