Apprenticeships

Oxfordshire site manager hopes to encourage more young people to join the housebuilding industry

- 01 Nov 19

Mark Roberts, site manager at a national housebuilder’s new development in Stadhampton, is urging more young people to work in the housebuilding industry after joining himself aged 17.

Becoming part of the Bovis Homes team in early 2019, initially as an assistant site manager, Mark soon progressed to the role of site manager at the Oxfordshire-based development.

A keen road cyclist, Mark began his career as a bricklayer’s labourer at the age of 17 and has now been working in construction for nearly 40 years.

“I was working as a tyre fitter when the opportunity to join the housebuilding industry came up,” Mark said.

“As soon as I started, I loved the camaraderie on site with my colleagues. Despite leaving the industry temporarily during my career, the draw to come back was too strong. I missed the atmosphere and the bond you build working as a team.

“I think more young people need to consider this as a career path as you learn so many valuable skills both for work and for your personal life. Apprenticeships for example are a great way to get started.”

Despite being new to Bovis Homes this year, there were some familiar faces amongst his colleagues, including Paul O’Keeffe, now site manager at the housebuilder’s Kingsmere development in Bicester.

“I commute from Wokingham every day to Stadhampton, but it’s worth it because I enjoy the job so much and get along well with the people I work with.

“The role as site manager is a juggling act, balancing the needs of customers and a good relationship with my team, but that’s what makes the role so interesting and engaging.

“Quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do. Seeing someone move into a home that they love makes it all so worth it. I like to be able to walk down the street and recognise all the faces, stop and say hello. That means so much to me.

“It was wonderful when our first resident, Sanjay Dhrona, moved in and we could see all our hard work come to fruition. I really hope more young people will choose a career in this industry.”

Mark recently competed in a charity Strictly Come Dancing ball, raising money for Grace, a charity that supports woman with gynaecological cancer. Nine couples took to the floor, all of whom had been training hard for three months prior to the event. Donations can be made to the charity on their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/grace