Training course a success for Redrow

Two forward-thinking assistant site managers for Redrow's Midlands regional company have passed the award-winning house builder's unique training and development course with flying colours.

Jamie Peacock, who is based at St. Edward's Park in Cheddleton near Leek, and Ian Radford, based at Poet's Wood in Streetly, near Sutton Coldfield, have now completed the course - and have an eye to move up the management ladder.

Jamie, 36, from Middlesbrough has been with Redrow for two years. He says:
"It was a really helpful programme and I definatley feel like I've come away from it more knowledgeable. There was a lot of hard work involved but it was worth it - I've learnt so much that I didn't know before. It was really beneficial and it was also a good opportunity to meet some of the other lads.

"I feel that this course has given me a lot more confidence to progress within the company now."

The programme is the brainchild of award-winning house builder Redrow and is aimed at 'home growing' a new generation of professional and accomplished site managers to oversee construction of Redrow's new homes.

The Assistant Site Manager Development Programme was launched last year and this is the second group to graduate.

Ian, 30, who lives in Cannock, adds that the course has given him new found confidence: "I found the course really useful, it gave lots of good tips and I now feel much more confident within my job. I've been working for Redrow for three years now and I hope that one day soon I will get the opportunity to take the step up to management because now I feel prepared for that challenge."

All have successfully developed the management skills required to run a site in compliance with Redrow policies and procedures and, in addition to this, each candidate has completed an NVQ level 3 in Site Supervision with the NHBC (National House-Building Council).

Karen Jones, group human resources director for Redrow, says: "Our investment in this training programme has reaped dividends already. Several of those who graduated last year have gone on to become successful site managers and we are hoping that this year's intake will progress quickly in the same way.

"As well as preparing our assistant site managers for future management, this unique training and development programme is part of our overall commitment to raising the competency of our construction staff above the industry average, as well as increasing employee retention and job satisfaction."

The successful graduates received their certificates from Redrow chief executive Neil Fitzsimmons, and Richard Lambert, director-general of the CBI, was on hand to offer his congratulations.

The programme concentrates on every aspect of the build operation starting with lower risk areas such as finishing trades and working through to high risk ground works. All candidates are taken through the house-building process in detail from a Redrow perspective, from acquisition of the land right through to customer handover.

Group training sessions and stipulated management tasks on their own sites were some of the core aspects of the course. Redrow Site Management Certificates were awarded on completion, while the NVQ level 3 element was completed separately.

Redrow invests heavily in training at all levels from apprenticeships to management and has its own purpose-built UK training centre, in Tamworth, Staffs, which delivers around 4,000 training days per annum.

Poet's Wood is a development of two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom family homes, while St. Edward's Park displays a range of apartments, townhouses and detached homes, set in 120 acres of land, including refurbished properties within an old Victorian hospital.

To find out more about securing a rewarding job with an award-winning house builder, go to redrowcareers.co.uk. For more information about Poet's Wood, St. Edward's Park and other Redrow housing developments across the country, visit redrow.co.uk.