Member Article

Barratt Developments Yorkshire West champions women in construction this International Women’s Day

In the lead up to International Women’s Day on Sunday 8th March, local housebuilder, Barratt Developments Yorkshire West is shining a light some of it’s leading ladies to encourage more women to consider a role in the rewarding construction industry.

Aimee Ward, 29 from Leeds, joined the team at Barratt Developments to pursue her passion for construction after spending four years as an event organiser. She joined the team as Customer Care Co-ordinator and ensures that prospective buyers are provided with the best possible customer service, which has retained a five star status for 10 years.

Anna Mason, 23 from Leeds, achieved a First Class Honours Degree in Geography and Town Planning in 2018 and enrolled as a Technical Graduate on its ASPIRE Graduate Development Programme five months ago, after being impressed by the housebuilders’ reputation. As part of the programme, Anna is involved in several projects across the country that focus on projects including sustainability and waste reduction strategies, as well as working alongside the six departments within Barratt Developments Yorkshire West to get first-hand experience of working on a live site.

Gill Cotterill, 60 from Pudsey, has a host of skills and qualifications including RSA Text Processing Level Three, Bookkeeping Level Three and has a Teachers’ Certificate in Office Practices and believes her job as Receptionist at Barratt Developments Yorkshire West is “the perfect role!” The housebuilder’s additional benefits initially attracted Gill to the role, but the support she receives from her Managers and the wider team at the Yorkshire West division has been her highlight.

Esme McQue, 24 from York, worked in the fashion and apparel industry after achieving a First Class Honours Degree in Business and Management Degree. She was looking for a secure job that had clear opportunity for progression, and joined the team as Marketing Executive where she manages website content, delivers and analyses campaigns and assists with the implementation of development launches.

Nicola Melia, 36 from Leeds, started her career with David Wilson Homes in 2002 as Accounts Assistant. Following a string of accounts positions, Nicola returned to studying in order to follow her passion for construction. Whilst studying, she achieved qualifications including an NVQ Level 5 and a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Construction Management. She has since re-joined the team as Assistant Quantity Surveyor where she manages budgets, valuations and targets at three of the housebuilders sites.

Ian Ruthven, Managing Director at Barratt Developments Yorkshire West, commented: “We want to work with the very best talent at Barratt Developments, regardless of their age, gender, faith or background. We’re proud to champion women in the construction industry who are helping to deliver quality homes to communities across West Yorkshire and are proud to have Aimee, Anna, Gill, Esme and Nicola as part of our team.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Savage .