Tanya builds homes and career with Barratt

Barratt Homes’ latest management trainee is citing valuable experience gained working within the industry’s production administration as the key to her success.

Tanya Overton-Summers began her promising career almost by accident - when taking on the role of receptionist within a housebuilding company at the age of 20, Barratt’s new trainee assistant site manager quickly showed her potential.

“From being a receptionist with another builder, I moved into the role of production administrator - which involved a whole range of construction-related activities, including health and safety administration, aiding with programming and HR paperwork to appoint new apprentices,” said Tanya. “I loved the work because I got an insight into the world of housebuilding and got to visit working construction sites.

“It was an excellent opportunity to start learning the ropes. I gained a range of skills and - crucially - lots of experience. I wanted to get even more involved in the work being carried out on-site, so I started to think about a new career direction within this same industry.

“Barratt was looking for trainee assistant site managers, and the accelerated training course on offer seemed perfect for me, albeit for ex-military personnel. I applied and was delighted to be accepted into the initiative.”

Tanya joined Barratt and immediately embarked on a six-week intensive programme including multi-trade skills and health and safety management within construction.

“It was a great way to start, and now I’m here at Hawthorn Rise in Newton Abbot, gaining valuable practical experience and guidance from my specially-appointed coach, site manager David Clark and my mentor, contracts manager Shaun Watkins.

“I’m due to complete my training in 10 months, when I’ll take part in a Barratt site management simulation at Coventry University, which I’m really looking forward to. After that, I hope to progress to an assistant site manager on one of our sites in the South West.

“Eventually, of course, I’d like to be site manager, which is the aim of this excellent Barratt initiative - to bring in new talent and provide training in order to create the next generation of managers.

“Although in the past women didn’t necessarily see an opening for them in construction, more are finding their skills and potential lie within this diverse and interesting industry. I’m looking forward to many years ahead with Barratt, here at Hawthorn Rise and at future developments across the country.”

For further information about careers with Barratt please log onto barratthomes.co.uk