We extend our congratulations to Charlie Hazeltine, Contracts Manager, on achieving his MCIOB status with the Chartered Institute of Building! In celebration of this brilliant professional achievement, we had the opportunity to sit down with Charlie and delve into his experiences and career journey during his time with us.
1. Can you tell us how you came to start working at Pexhurst as a Trainee Site Manager and what initially attracted you to the company and the industry?
For me, the main attraction to the industry was the flexibility it offers, the range of job roles available and how each day is never the same. I came across Pexhurst by chance when I saw their banner on a Heras fence panel which led me to look into the company. From there, I got in contact with Martin Vella, Pexhurst’s Managing Director and the rest is history!
2. Starting at a company in a trainee position can be a challenging prospect. How did Pexhurst help you to adjust to your work responsibilities and support your professional growth early on in your role?
Pexhurst has always made me feel welcome from day one. Nick Tagliarini and Dan Flint were always there in the early stages of my career to guide me onto the right paths and they still offer me ongoing support. Pexhurst has a genuine family feel to it and by being welcomed from day one, I was always encouraged to ask questions which helped me to get the most out of my trainee position.
3. You recently qualified as a Chartered Construction Manager with The CIOB. How has the company supported you in attaining chartered status and how do you think the chartership will enhance your role and career?
Again, my career progression is down to the people here at Pexhurst. They always listen and offer ways to support us and help us achieve our goals. Throughout the company, we have a wide range of experience. Having access to this knowledge allowed me to communicate with my colleagues and work towards my chartered status. Being part of the CIOB opens you up to other likeminded individuals who you can network with and learn from and having those resources motivates me to achieve more. I think this will help me get more out of my role and give back to Pexhurst as a ‘thank you’ for all the support they have given me so far in my career.
4. Pexhurst is running a pro-people campaign that reflects the company’s long-term investment in its team. Could you tell us how the company’s approach to employee development has impacted your career?
Pexhurst have always taken a pro-active approach to employee development and have always set goals for the individual. When I was an apprentice, I had a development plan in place which showed me clear progression and as a trainee, it’s like you’re working towards a light at the end of the tunnel and gives you a focus. The professional and personal development I’ve experienced at Pexhurst has allowed me to advance quickly, and without a dedicated approach by Pexhurst it would have been a longer process to gaining my level of competency.
5. What do you see as the next big trend or ‘hot topic’ in the industry over the next 2-3 years?
We seem to have a shortage of the younger generation within our industry, so I hope that the next hot topic is apprenticeships. It would be fantastic to see the industry work together to attract new apprentices; whether its promoting trade or management level positions, as construction has so much to offer young people.
6. What advice would you give to a young person coming into our industry?
Ask questions and give it your best shot! Getting out on site and listening to those with real world experience is the best way to learn and progress quickly. You only get out what you put in, so be curious and ask for advice. One thing to remember is that you never stop learning, so always take the guidance of your colleagues on board.
7. What’s your favourite memory from the past 5 years you’ve been at Pexhurst, and what are you looking forward to next?
I think it has to be my whole journey at Pexhurst, from starting off as a Trainee – turning up on site Day 1 with next to no experience, to now becoming a Chartered Construction Manager. It really has been a fantastic journey and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
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