Pexhurst on learning at work

Education Learning at work

Chartered Building Company Pexhurst considers employee training and education as vital to its growth. Four team members share their learning and development experiences

From left: Dan Beadle, Ashley Williams, Charlie Hazeltine, Nick Tagliarini

Nick Tagliarini, director at Pexhurst

worked full time while he studied for his master’s in strategic marketing – a feat that was challenging but rewarding, he says.

“It was challenging, especially due to a lot of the programme being delivered over weekends, so balancing home life with work and study took careful planning. But it was one of the most rewarding experiences in my education journey,” he says. “I had the opportunity to meet people from all different backgrounds, experiences, and working together to achieve the qualification was really enjoyable.”

Charlie Hazeltine, assistant site manager, is working towards his Level 4 HNC in Construction and the Built Environment. He says learning at work is key to developing his career.

“Learning at work has helped to develop my skills at a faster pace than the academic route. Being able to be on the job and learn at the same time has developed my skills and taught me how to overcome real-life problems. These are the lessons I take from job to job.

Another assistant site manager, Dan Beadle, is working towards a Bsc (Hons) in Construction Management and says learning at work has enable him to “develop a growth mindset”.

“The combination of learning in my degree and real-life experiences in the workplace has not only developed my theoretical knowledge but planning and communication skills.

“Being able to be on the job and learn at the same time has developed me to understand the concepts I have studied and see them applied in real-life scenarios”

Charlie Hazeltine, Pexhurst

Learning while working has enabled me to understand the concepts I have studied and see them applied in real-life scenarios,” he says.

Ashley Williams, also an assistant site manager, is working towards his NVQ Level 4 in Construction Site Supervision. He says that employer support is key.

“Working for an employer that supports and guides you in the right direction regarding learning and education is vital, not only to help build competence and knowledge but also to help improve on a day-to-day basis. And having a colleague you can turn and talk to whenever needed is crucial. This plays a massive part in confidence-building.” ●

Competition North-east students vie for top spot in challenge

Hartlepool scoops Winning Team in Newcastle Student Challenge

Six teams from three colleges in the north east were given a brief to be consultants for Home Group as part of the CIOB Newcastle Hub Student Challenge.

The students were tasked to build a town centre head office around the Metro line and The Strawberry pub. Each team then gave a 15-minute presentation via Teams.

Hartlepool’s Team 4 (pictured) took the Winning Team prize, with Lee Newbould from New College Durham Best Leader. Gateshead College scooped Best Innovative Idea.

FELLOWSHIP FIRST FOR BARRATT MANAGER

Danielle Dasgupta, senior site manager with Barratt, has achieved Fellowship with the CIOB, the first employee in the firm to do so.

Posting on LinkedIn, she said: “I may not have a fancy job title nor have built the next skyscraper in London but working hard to help the next generation of managers, influencing diversity and inclusion and driving better quality are all areas I’m passionate about and am working hard in to make a difference.

“I’m honest and transparent with my mentees as I want the best for them, I want them to be resilient and I hope they don’t have to experience the doubts and setbacks I had through my 20s.

“Key drivers for me start with caring about your job, trying to add value to your company and bringing out the best in people. I’m just grateful that I work for a company that trusts me, provides me with a variety of challenges and responsibilities and, most importantly, respects me.”