Barratt and David Wilson Homes (BDW) Exeter is celebrating two of its hardworking and ambitious female employees during this year’s Women in Construction Week.
Rebekka Partridge (32), a Site Manager for multiple developments, has worked in the construction industry for most of her working life, on sites throughout Devon, Cornwall and Kent. Knowing that her heart lies in building new homes, Rebekka spent two years looking for an opportunity and was eventually successful in joining Barratt Homes as a Trainee Assistant Site Manager.
She said: “Construction has always been my passion and I thoroughly enjoy my role, the work ethic of the team and the day to day running of a busy site. I think it’s a great industry for women with a multitude of ways to progress both professionally and personally. Barratt really promote equality, flexible working and diversity. It’s a fantastic environment for anyone to work in but I think it really appeals to women in particular.”
Rebekka, who is overseeing the new community in Somerset added: “Barratt has always been really supportive, with regular discussions on progress and where I see myself in a few years’ time, with plenty of opportunities for learning along the way. It helps keep me focused on my goals. If you are ambitious, keen to learn and strive for what you want, Barratt is behind you every step of the way.”
Rebekka has set her eyes firmly on her eventual goal, which is to become a director. She added: “I’d like to continue working my way up through the business. There’s still more I want to achieve in my current role, but I will strive for a leadership position one day.”
Meanwhile, Nicki Reid (43), joined Barratt Homes as a Sales Adviser after starting her career in interior design. Wanting to try something new, she sent a speculative CV to Barratt Homes. 20 years later and Nicki has advanced her career and risen through the ranks to become the Sales Director for the Exeter division.
Devon-based Nicki said: “It was a case of being in the right place at the right time. Sending your CV off to a company when there are no jobs listed is a bit of a shot in the dark, but Barratt took a chance on me, and I’ve never looked back.”
Nicki is passionate about seeing more women in construction and development. She said: “The industry is definitely much more balanced and has changed considerably in the years since I started. Women are now far better represented in the commercial, technical and land teams rather than the sales or customer service departments as it used to be. BDW is truly a diverse and inclusive place to work, with a balanced team bringing new perspectives and experiences to the table.”
Having progressed from Sales Adviser to Sales Director, Nicki is currently on the company’s Operations Director programme with the goal to become a Managing Director. Looking back on her time at BDW, she added: “I couldn’t have asked for more support from my time with Barratt so far, they have been there for me during illness and moving around the country with relocations and secondments and have offered extensive training opportunities so that I can realise my ambitions.”
As the south west’s leading house builder, BDW are creating new communities throughout the region in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. This includes Elworthy Place near Taunton, Blackdown Heights in Chard, Victoria Heights near Exeter, Berry Acres in Paignton, Okement Park in Okehampton and Treledan in Saltash.
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