Dawn loves rising to the challenge

5:24pm Tuesday 7th October 2008

Dawn Bennett set her sights on following her family into a caring career... but ended up in a totally different direction.

“I wanted to be a nurse because my grandma and grandad were nurses,” says Dawn, who after leaving school completed an NVQ in care and began working in nursing homes.

Discovering it wasn’t the career, she gained an RSA NVQ in business administration. Working in credit control for a Bingley clothing company proved good grounding for Dawn. When she joined the company now known as The Department of Asset Management propertysolutions, part of the Incommunities Group, she was dealing with the wages of more than 100 construction workers.

Problem solving in that role led her to become a technical assistant setting up procedures with the commercial manager.

The following year Dawn began working closely with Delroy Beverley, director of Incommunities propertysolutions. The company employs more than 80 multi-skilled trade operatives and staff. The specialist teams are involved in regeneration works for social housing landlords and other service providers, and provide a bespoke service for those with specialist needs.

Dawn achieved her HNC in business and is due to start another business degree, expanding her knowledge to progress in the industry.

Her current role as executive support officer involves overseeing the administration department, dealing with everything from time sheets to the day-to-day running of the handyman scheme. Launched last year, this scheme deals with various jobs, from gardening to clearing lofts and removals.

Liaising with site managers and helping to prepare progress reports dictates going out on site, but Dawn is used to working in a predominantly male environment, although she says more women have come on board over the past five years.

“When I first started it was nearly all men – there was only one other woman,” she recalls.

Dawn hopes initiatives such as the Women in Construction event, organised by Incommunities propertysolutions, will encourage more women into the industry.

Aimed at Year 10 and 11 pupils, the event – which runs from Monday during National Construction Showcase Week in Centenary Square – aims to highlight and address the under-representation of women in the construction industry on a local and national level.

It focuses on how the organisation is actively working to promote careers in construction locally through initiatives including trade apprenticeship programmes.

Themed zones and exhibition stands can supply visitors with information about others in the construction sector. Demonstration work areas will give those considering a career in construction the chance to have some hands-on experience.

Dawn says the intention was to host a one-day event, but it was extended to three due to the high level of interest. She says it is particularly important as it raises the profile of apprenticeships. She believes more people are realising the benefits of getting a trade and gaining a skill you can use anywhere in the world.

Dawn’s greatest work satisfaction is seeing a job completed on time.

“I love the challenge,” she says. “I love it when they have completed the site on time, to target, and done a really good job. We all work as a really good team.”

To do a job like Dawn’s, she says you need to be outgoing, calm, approachable, have a good personality and communication skills, and get on with people.

For more information about the event contact (01274) 257498 or go to incommunitiesgroup.co.uk.

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