Bovis Homes has recently recruited 20 new assistant site managers, including 17 ex-military personnel, onto ten-month development programmes that include a variety of courses and on-site mentoring.
Former RAF pilot and Military Guard, Rob Tarn, is one of those enjoying a career switch, and a new role in the housebuilding industry at Green Acres in Yarnfield, Staffordshire.
He joined the RAF in 2004 and spent the majority of his time there in the Queens Colour Squadron, serving on operational tours of Iraq and Afghanistan and providing protection to ground troops and deterring enemy movement or attacks on camp.
Rob explained: “I was based in Kabul and led a team responsible for escorting VIPs, and also spent time on board helicopters manning weaponry in case of attack.
“I decided to leave the military, but after a few years went back and joined the Military Provost Guard Service, which is a branch of the Army. It was a non-deployable role and the shift patterns allowed me to spend more time with my family and settle down. My aim was to use the new routine to study and move into my real area of interest; construction. After some hard work gaining extra qualifications I got my break with this role at Bovis Homes.”
Rob is enjoying the challenge his new job offers and now lives in Shropshire with his wife Helen and three-year-old son Bobby.
“A large part of my work involves meeting with our customers and helping them during their customer journey with us,” he said. “Ultimately I enjoy delivering great quality homes and it’s fantastic seeing happy customers, knowing you helped to build them a home to be proud of.”
Walking onto a busy construction site at Yarnfield every day and helping to co-ordinate the delivery of those quality homes is a challenge which clearly brings out the best in Rob and makes full use of those skills developed during his years in the military.
“This industry requires you to keep calm under pressure, be disciplined and punctual, and have strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks,” explained Rob. “These are obviously all fundamental skills in the military, as is being reliable and helping to keep up workers’ morale to maintain efficiency and boost site camaraderie.
“So the move has felt quite natural and the basic ‘man management’ and communication skills I learnt as a junior officer come in handy on a daily basis. I actually enjoy being in difficult situations and learning how to overcome them.
“The job itself is extremely fast-paced and the daily routine involves driving forward our objectives to achieve key stages on the site programme. I have to ensure all Health and Safety inductions are carried out and that everyone on site is working safely and complying with regulations.
“I work with the trades to overcome any problems or unforeseen circumstances and I check the quality of work of all on site to ensure it complies with the required quality and standards we demand. I will assist in inspections, order materials, supervise crane lifts and generally oversee the site alongside the site manager.”
Rob is now looking forward to continuing to play his part in delivering quality brand new Bovis Homes and further developing his skills and career.
“The training I am receiving is equipping me for a great career with Bovis Homes,” he said “Things look extremely bright and positive for my future, I’m very happy where I am and on a personal level I am enjoying the home-life and work-life balance which I have never been able to achieve before.”
