Lovell, a leading name in regeneration and construction, is setting a benchmark in nurturing talent and creating opportunities for individuals from diverse professional backgrounds.
Kirsty Davies, a trainee Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) with 18 months of experience, exemplifies how the supportive culture and commitment to training Lovell has fostered can empower people to transition into the construction industry, even without prior experience.
Supporting career transitions
Kirsty’s journey is a great example of the commitment Lovell has made to opening doors for individuals who may not have considered construction as a career path. Coming from a community care background, Kirsty spent seven years working in roles that required organisation, problem-solving and communication. Although she had no direct construction experience, Lovell recognised her transferable skills and provided her with the opportunity to thrive in a new industry.
The company’s structured training programs and ongoing mentorship enabled Kirsty to adapt quickly to her role as an RLO. Through these programs, she has gained valuable insights into effective communication, responsibility and collaboration, which are essential in building trust and maintaining strong relationships with residents.
A role that makes a difference
As an RLO, Kirsty acts as the bridge between contractors and residents, ensuring that communication flows smoothly and concerns are addressed effectively. She conducts pre-start visits, listens to resident needs and provides clear updates on the progress and impact of regeneration projects. Her work showcases how Lovell prioritises the human side of construction, ensuring that residents feel informed and supported during every phase of a project.
Lovell fosters an inclusive, encouraging workplace that helps employees achieve their personal and professional goals. For Kirsty, the supportive environment has been instrumental in her success. The team’s approachable and collaborative culture, combined with clear guidance from mentors, means she has developed confidence in her role.
Additionally, Lovell emphasises on work-life balance, which has been transformative. The fixed hours and flexibility allow Kirsty to spend quality time with her family, demonstrating how the company values the well-being of its employees.
Kirsty said: “The traineeship has given me a better routine with set hours, allowing me to have flexibility to drop my son off at breakfast club and after school care easily. The work life balance works really well for me, and having weekends free to spend time with him and my family is so important. This role has reduced the pressure on my family and childcare, which is so significant. Lovell is a good company to work for and I feel valued as a person, not just a number.”
“It has been enlightening regarding the roles in construction and has changed my perception about it being a male dominated industry. I would definitely recommend working in construction to other strong-minded women.”
Kelly Truman, regional social value and training manager at Lovell, supports each of the trainees and apprentices at Lovell in the West Midlands. She said: “It’s essential that construction businesses step up and offer opportunities for people in the areas where they work. Supporting the development of local people with proper training and development pathways that lead to viable careers is not only future proofing our industry but incredibly rewarding.
“The impact on Kirsty both in work and in her personal life is evidence of the strength of these training schemes. We’re so proud of what she’s already achieved and look forward to seeing her continue to grow at Lovell.”
Encouraging others to explore construction careers
The approach from Lovell is a reminder that construction is no longer a male-dominated industry. By creating pathways for people from different professional and educational backgrounds, Lovell is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
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