Construction career switches pay off with promotions

Two former trainees are among the latest promotions at Anwyl Homes as the business helps young people build their careers.

Former cleaner turned construction apprentice Chloe Annis has been promoted to assistant buyer after graduating from Bolton University, while Alex Hetherington, who also made a career switch to join Anwyl, has taken on the role of assistant quantity surveyor.

They’re both based at Anwyl Homes Lancashire in Buckshaw Village, near Chorley.

 Chloe initially joined Anwyl in 2020 as an apprentice assistant site manager after working as a contract cleaner on one of the company’s sites sparked an interest in construction.

 “When I was undertaking a level three construction and the built environment course at Wigan and Leigh College, I worked with the commercial department for a module and enjoyed it, although I had no prior knowledge or experience in the commercial field,” Chloe explained.

“There was an opening in the commercial department for a trainee, so I took the offer. I was then enrolled on the level four HNC in construction at Bolton University.”

When Chloe graduated in the summer she was awarded the prestigious governor’s prize for academic excellence.

 The 26-year-old added: “It was tough during the final year, finding time to complete the projects alongside working, but all the hours I put in paid off

 “Every day is different, and I enjoy the work. Housebuilding is a very rewarding industry if you work hard and put the hours in. I get along with my colleagues and if I need any assistance I can ask for help.”

 Prior to joining Anwyl as a commercial trainee in 2021 Alex Hetherington had been working in a restaurant and for his dad’s construction recruitment business.

 Alex also recently completed the Level 4 HNC in Construction at Bolton University.

He said: “As a trainee I was running just one site, but now I’ve been promoted I’ll be given more responsibility and adding a second site. My job involves working through the tender process to assign subcontractors, processing payments to them and budget reviews for the site."

John Grime, managing director of Anwyl Homes Lancashire, said: “At Anwyl we’re committed to investing in and supporting emerging talent, like Chloe and Alex. They’ve been shown great promise and enthusiasm, with the potential to develop further in future.

 “They are part of a dedicated and skilled workforce within the business, helping us to deliver on housing targets and provide the high quality, energy efficient homes people want and need.”