Date: 17/10/2018

Fortem won three prestigious industry awards last week, all of which demonstrate the outstanding work we are doing to attract and retain talented female employees.

Not only was Fortem named Employer of the Year at last Thursday’s Women In Housing Awards – Ellie King, one of our gas engineers, was also awarded Young Achiever.

Then, on the following evening, management trainee Casey Turner was named Young Trainee of the Year at the Celebrating Construction in South Yorkshire Awards, with Fortem also shortlisted in the Social Value and Training categories.

The Women in Housing Awards, which took place at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, recognise and celebrate the achievements of outstanding women working in housing.

Fortem beat organisations such as Flagship Group, Newlon Housing Trust and Thirteen Group to win Employer of the Year, with our entry focusing on our efforts to recruit more female apprentices, and the way in which we hire individuals based upon their values and behaviours.

Birmingham-based former apprentice Ellie King, who is heavily involved in our work promoting careers in construction and the trades within schools and colleagues, beat her peers from across the UK to the Young Achiever award.

Meanwhile, Casey Turner, who is based in Rotherham, was up against her counterparts at Engie, Henry Boot Construction and NPS Barnsley, to win Young Trainee of the Year at the CCISY Awards, held at Cutlers Hall in Sheffield.

Casey’s entry highlighted the ways in which she goes above and beyond to prove that she’s heading towards becoming one of our organisation’s future leaders.

On our hat-trick of wins, Mick Williamson, managing director of Fortem, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of the ambition, drive and dedication displayed on a daily basis by Ellie and Casey, who both thoroughly deserve their awards.

“As an organisation, we’re committed to hiring the best possible people, and growing our own talent.

“Winning Employer of the Year at the Women In Housing Awards is a massive achievement. It’s great to receive public acknowledgement for the work we’re doing to provide opportunities for members of our communities and ensuring our organisation is a place where people from all backgrounds can thrive.”