Progression – Libby Hodgkin started out as an apprentice bricklayer and is now a site manager for Esh Construction.
BUILDING
SUCCESS
LIBBY’ S JOURNEY FROM APPRENTICE TO SITE MANAGER
If you’ re determined, open to new ideas, and ready to challenge expectations in a changing industry, you can go far, just like Libby Hodgkin has in her construction career.
Her early years were spent learning the trade hands-on, going to site with her grandad.
“ I just sort of went with him,” said Libby.
“ When I was leaving school, I didn’ t really know what to do so I just stuck with the bricklaying,” she says.
Now a site manager with Esh Construction, Libby’ s journey began in Northamptonshire, where she embarked on an apprenticeship in bricklaying at college.
“ I didn’ t really know what I wanted to do when I left school,” she recalls.
“ But a summer course in bricklaying felt right, and it led me to college full-time and then into an apprenticeship.”
Libby’ s construction career has spanned nearly 24 years, with roles ranging from bricklayer to senior supervisor, and now site manager.
“ When I started, there were hardly any women on site,” said Libby.
“ Women’ s toilets were very rare but there’ s been a massive shift; everything’ s equal now, especially working at Esh.
“ I think I’ m quite known in the North-East now because I’ ve worked around some big builders.
“ In the past I’ ve experienced people having preconceived ideas about women working on site, but there has been a rapid shift in the industry on this front in recent years.
“ Once people get to know me, they see I’ m just as capable in the role.”
Based at Kedward Avenue in Middlesbrough, Libby oversees the day-to-day delivery of an affordable housing project that will deliver 105 homes for housing provider Thirteen Group.
She takes responsibility for health and safety and organises materials and teams, while liaising with subcontractors, supervisors, office staff and clients.
She said:“ My favourite part is seeing a site transform from wasteland to finished homes for people to move into.
“ It’ s rewarding to work on affordable housing projects, especially given that there’ s a shortage across the UK.
Construction – Libby Hodgkin oversees the day-to-day delivery of an affordable housing project for Esh Construction that will deliver 105 homes for housing provider Thirteen Group.
“ It’ s great to play a small role in helping people to find their family home.”
Libby’ s advice for anyone considering a career in construction?
“ Just get stuck in and give it a go,” she added.
“ Don’ t be shy – find what’ s right for you and go for it. There’ s more to construction than people think, and it’ s an industry where you can build a lifelong and enjoyable career.”
Visit eshgroup. co. uk
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