Our People

I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to work alongside a fantastic team and to be able to grow with this business over the last 12 years

After completing a Commercial Law degree I joined the company when it was Inspace back in October 2006 as a temp administrator at the Hammersmith & Fulham branch. The warm welcome I received from the team and the collaborative way in which everyone worked made my decision to stay very easy.

I changed to a permanent contract in January 2007, taking on the role of a Service Controller. I did this role for a year and during that time, found an interest in Health & Safety. Shortly after, I changed roles to Health & Safety Coordinator. Although happy with the role I didn't feel challenged and I wanted to use some of the skills I developed from my degree. I was then made aware of the Management Trainee programme and the fantastic opportunities that come with it, such as completing a diploma and undertaking placements with various departments in the business. I joined the scheme in 2009 and thoroughly enjoyed it. The highlight for me was the time spent on the Tesco Woolwich project, valued at almost £100m. I worked alongside some of the biggest main subcontractors in the industry, using plant and equipment that were so unique; they have to be brought into the UK for use on the project. I worked closely with our colleagues from Willmott Dixon to develop and roll out bespoke procedures which were later embedded in their safety management system.

I graduated from the trainee programme in 2012 and since then have grown from strength to strength in the business. I was promoted to a Health & Safety Advisor, supporting not only my newly allocated branches but also supported our energy contracts for 6 months. In less than 12 months, I was promoted to Southern Manager, with my own small team of 3 advisors. 6 months later, I was again promoted to Southern Regional Manager.

The last 11 years or so has been a rollercoaster, but one I would do all over again if given the opportunity. I work alongside people I call 'family' because over the years that's what this business has become to me, family. The support, opportunities, team spirit, values, generosity (I could go on) is so unique and could only be found at Fortem. I look forward to many more enjoyable years to come.

I've found that being successful as a management trainee means showing dedication and passion

In 2010 I was TUPE transferred in to Fortem at Rotherham; I was a Gas Engineer that had just completed an apprenticeship with Rotherham Metropolitan Council. After the initial uncertainty of being transferred in to an unknown company I was given the opportunity to further my trade skills through HETAS Solid Fuel Qualifications.

I was given the opportunity to be involved in the Employee Forum and community investment activities. With guidance from my Line Manager at the time I found out about Fortem's got Talent – our Management Trainee Programme which I applied for in 2012. On that occasion I was unsuccessful but over the following 12 months I was given a development programme to support my application in 2013 where I was successful.

Having the opportunity to complete the management trainee program I have not only been supported by the business through university to gain a degree qualification, but have had the opportunity to experience every part of the business that is Fortem; from the setting up of new contracts with the mobilisation team, implementation of new IT systems to experience in all work streams of the business. These experiences have given me the skills to grow in to my current role as Site Manager on a planned regeneration project for Sheffield City Council.

I have found being successful as a management trainee doesn't require you to be the most academic, but to show dedication and passion to the task that you are faced with. The business has supported me with everything else required to become competent in the role I am currently in.