Siobhann – Trainee Site Manager
Siobhann attended the Women into Construction information event in January 2020. The event, hosted by WiC’s Project Manager, Shelley Lawrence, brought together women interested in working in construction with local employers to discuss roles and pathways into the industry. At the event, Hill Assistant Site Manager, Erin Coltman, spoke about her experience working on-site to the group. During the networking session, Erin also took the time to talk one-to-one with Siobhann about her role.
Siobhann registered onto the WiC programme to gain further support following the event. With her CSCS card already in place and prior site administration experience, Siobhann expressed an interest in wanting to be more hands-on within a site environment and to build a career in the industry. Inspired by Erin’s experience, we investigated Trainee Site Management programmes available in the area. Most were aimed at those coming out of A-Level education or at graduates, which proved to be barriers of entry for Siobhann. We were determined to find an opportunity that would value Siobhann’s existing site experience, her enthusiasm, willingness to learn and positive attitude so that she could transition from site admin to site management.
Shelley spoke to CIP’s Regional Director Tom Hill and Contracts Manager Chris Luxford about Siobhann, and they agreed to interview her.
Having impressed Hill at her interview, Siobhann was offered a unique opportunity to join Hill as a Trainee Site Manager outside of their existing Management Trainee Programme. This pathway gives value to Siobhann’s prior experience, breaks down past barriers of entry and allows her to progress from site administration to site management with professional training, in full-time employment.
Siobhann started her role on Monday 5th October on Hill’s Ironworks site in the centre of Cambridge with the Cambridge Investment Partnership team. She will be working five days a week whilst completing her NVQ in Construction Management via NHBC assessment and evidence-based assignments.
‘Big thank you to Women into Construction for all their help and support with my role at Hill. I am very excited for what the future has in store.’ – Siobhann
