National Careers Week - Employee Stories

Name: Michelle Goodman

Position: Building Manual Manager

Describe your role?

I’m a Building Manuals Manager and my team of six is responsible for producing all the Operations and Maintenance Manuals (O&M Manuals) that are issued to clients by Winvic. We look after this process across the three sectors of our business – Civils and Infrastructure, Multi-Room and Industrial. We work together to collate and compile the O&M Manuals, which requires a lot of planning and having good communications with the site teams and our subcontractors. We help to ensure they are tracking projects correctly and obtain the required information for the manuals from them.

Liaising with clients is also a big part of my role, I manage their enquiries and collaborate with them whilst putting the documentation together, this ensures it meets their requirements.

O&M Manuals are records that are compiled during the construction phase of a project and are handed over to the client or end user on completion for them to keep, these manuals are a requirement for achieving the practical completion of a project. The O&M Manuals contain information regarding the operation, maintenance, health and safety, decommissioning and subsequent demolition of a building or structure.

How long have you worked at Winvic?

For three and a half years, I joined Winvic in August 2020.

Tell me about your career path leading up to your current role?

My varied career path has given me a wide range of transferable skills, leading me to my current role. When I left school, I started working in retail, but I didn’t like the unsociable hours or working over Christmas, so I decided to return to education and attended courses related to administration. Since then, I have worked in administration and management roles in a variety of industries including finance, arboriculture, records management, cosmetics, and manufacturing.

What positive changes have you implemented in your department?

In 2021, I spearheaded Winvic’s transition from creating traditional hard copies of O&M Manuals to using  cloud-based digital assets. Previously, the manuals were distributed in bulky, paper-intensive formats, and were made up of numerous A4 lever arch files. Now, we provide our clients with access to a user-friendly electronic dashboard about each project. This digital platform empowers clients to effortlessly locate necessary documents with a simple click, significantly streamlining operations and reducing our environmental footprint.

I am passionate about a paperless approach and promote the benefits of an electronic dashboard over hard copies whenever I meet with clients. These discussions not only highlight the usability gains but also underscore our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Our electronic dashboard offers more than just documents; it includes an array of QR codes which lead to instructional videos from subcontractors demonstrating the proper use of equipment, as well as information for tenants in our multiroom projects. Our multimedia O&M Manual strategy not only offers comprehensive support for our clients throughout the project lifecycle, but it also enhances the overall experience for people.

Describe working at Winvic in 3 words?

Empowering, growth, inspiring.

Why Construction? 

I’ve previously worked in a variety of roles and industries so when the Winvic vacancy came up, the idea of working in construction as a woman didn’t daunt me. I was more focused on my variety of transferable skills, which I knew would be beneficial in the role. Some of the positives that I’ve learned about working in the construction industry are that I’m challenged every day, my role is dynamic and I find myself continually growing and adapting. Working in an industry that constantly evolves fuels my passion for what I do.

I’ve really found a passion in construction, and it’s been great to get involved with activities to inspire young people about the type of careers that are available. I have taken part in two STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) activities, with the most recent being at Northampton Academy in February. Oliwia Karwatka who is a BIM Digital Engineer and I gave presentations on BIM modelling and O&M manuals, then gave the students a design overview activity to complete. They worked in small groups to create a design, but a die was rolled to determine who their client would be, what the building would be used for, the design style and architecture of the building and the location. They discussed the challenges that they might face in their overall design and figured out ways to adjust their design to suit the client and requirements. On paper, they then sketched their designs and I saw some amazing solutions from some very engaged teenagers.

I also took part in a STEM Speed Interviewing event with Year 9 and 10 students at Ousedale Secondary School in Olney. Small groups of pupils were given five minutes with each of the participants, to ask questions about our careers. I was asked about how I got into construction, what I love most about my job and least. All the students worked their way round all the volunteers in an hour, and they really seemed to gain some new insights about a variety of roles.

What attracted you to Winvic?

I used to work in the building next to Winvic and had previously worked with a Winvic employee who had nothing but positive things to say about the company and its culture. When I went for my interview, I was impressed with the company’s values and their approach to employee development. Not only do they provide a work environment for personal growth, but also have a culture of belonging – I feel that I can bring my authentic self to work each day.

Do you have any advice specific to women wanting to join the construction industry? 

It’s not the all-male industry that people may first think – my team is made up of all women. Construction has a huge variety of roles and career paths, both on and off site. Don’t be afraid, take the leap, you won’t regret it!

Name: Esther Potter

Role: Senior Site Manager

Describe your role?

I have overall responsibility for the management of all activities on site, subcontractor teams and health and safety. I’m also the bridge between numerous departments, such as design, commercial and on-site, so for example, I help to get decisions approved on commercial and design changes and effected on site.

A typical day is always busy, and it starts nice and early. I try to get a morning site walk in to review what we have achieved against the daily or weekly objectives and then have operations, design, or commercial meetings to plan upcoming works. We also have a daily briefing with the project’s supply chain partners to plan works and during the afternoon, I’m then generally reviewing works, any changes and ensure everyone is where they should be, doing what they should be, safely.

I’m always looking at the different packages to see what is moving, what we could be doing differently or what we’re doing well, reviewing the quality of works and making sure we are meeting the programme timeline. The days go extremely quickly, it is a very full-on role, especially also managing a team. Currently at the Redcliff Quarter multi-room project I’m managing a team of eight, including site managers, engineers, labourers, and logistic managers.

The build-to-rent scheme comprises 436 apartments, residents’ amenity spaces, like a gym, and 8,500 sq ft commercial space. We are constructing four reinforced concrete frame blocks, one of which is 18 storeys high, and the scheme includes S278 works, which will rejuvenate the surrounding roads.

How long have you been at Winvic?

I’ve worked in construction for 10 years and been with Winvic for nearly a year.

Tell us about your career leading up to Winvic?  

My mother was also a site manager, so from the age of eleven I would go to site in the summer holidays and boss people around! She worked on much smaller projects and it was a different time without today’s rigorous health and safety, but I loved design and architecture from a young age. I went to university to study architecture and did a summer in a practice, but I realised the pace wasn’t as fast as I was looking for.

Someone I knew was working on a project revamping a Harley Street clinic and being very detailed orientated, I jumped at a construction assistant role. I worked my way up over some years and then moved back to Bristol where I’d met my husband. This was my introduction to working for a main contractor, who I stayed with for 7 and a half years, learning about large projects and doing things well and safely within a much more corporate and structured environment.

Describe working at Winvic in 3 words?

Looking after their people, including subcontractors, and having honest relationships is at the core of everything Winvic does. So for me I’d say loyal, respectful and, supportive.

Why construction?

I like the people, the pressure, the pace and I like delivering something to a high standard. I was recently asked if I wish I could work less and I said no, because I love my job. Visiting a hotel project at eleven years old definitely inspired my career and I love the large-scale multi-room sector with high end finishes. I like seeing something come out of the ground and emerge as a quality product, knowing I’d like to live or stay there myself and people will enjoy that experience. It’s satisfying to drive through town with my kids and be able to point out to them that I helped deliver a building.

I also enjoy the interactions and challenges that construction brings, but I also love laughing every day between the pressure. A strong team will make or break a job and Winvic’s one team approach is what always stands out for me. That’s all the Winvic team members that I work with every day on-site and the subcontract partners that come and go throughout the build, and I enjoy that I get to meet new people every day.

I’m keen to be a role-model for my children – and other young people – and encourage them into the industry. I’ve been speaking to a friend’s daughter recently and I’ve really enjoyed explaining about the various roles in the construction industry, I don’t think most kids are aware of how many roles and career paths are available them in this industry. Many people think construction is just the trades like a brickie or electrician, but there are so many more options. For example, you can go into finance, design or environmental and work mainly in an office or you can get your hands dirty and be out on site with large plant or as an engineer. Whatever your thing is, there is something for you. I think I would have chosen this career much earlier if I knew all the options available and that’s why we work with schools, colleges and universities to bring more awareness.

Why Winvic?

I wasn’t actively looking to change jobs, but I was travelling to site and wanted to be able to pick my children up every day. When the Winvic role came up in Bristol it sounded perfect because I was attracted to the scale of Redcliff Quarter and the challenges that come with that. I then met the project manager, Howard, and saw what a great leader he was; he’d been there and got the t-shirt! He was honest about the challenges I would face but also how the team would support me through them and by doing more research about Winvic, it was clear loyalty was important to Winvic and its team. I knew I would be a good fit with the team, the Winvic values, and how they develop and support people, and I was delighted to get the job.

Advice to women wanting to enter the construction industry?

I’d advise young women – and men – to look at what subjects they enjoy. Is it the mathematical or creative elements? Are you a people person? You can work in construction without choosing a specific trade. Do some research into the different roles available or even better speak to someone in the industry!

But, as a female, be yourself and don’t be intimidated. I am quite girly – I like doing my hair and nails – but I  know the men would just say that I’m one of the team. It’s the most rewarding industry and you will be looked after. You get to be the best that you can be, and you get to be yourself! It has allowed me to find who I am and be very comfortable with that.

Whatever your gender, you will gain a level of respect for being good at your role, but I think women can bring a different skillset to a team and men I’ve worked with over the years have learned you can be authoritative with a peaceful approach. I can have difficult conversations with people and get things done but also through experience I’ve learned to recognise people’s strengths and weaknesses, and I work with those to get the best results.

Name: Dan Lucas
Position: Pre-construction Manager

Describe your role. My role as a Pre-construction Manager involves leading the tender team with the objective of winning work for Winvic within the Industrial sector. It is a multifaceted and rewarding role that involves client liaison, design management, cost management, subcontractor analysis and consideration for how the project can be successfully delivered on site. No two tenders are ever the same, so the challenge of identifying specifics is a key aspect of the role, as well as ensuring risks are effectively managed to avoid potential problems when on site.

Tell me about your career path leading up to your current role. I started out as a Graduate Site Engineer and worked my way through to project management, working on a variety of schemes before taking up a position in design management. This move gave me the opportunity to become more rounded in my understanding of the industry, as it was focussed on the pre-construction stage, something I felt was important for my own development. After gaining the experience of pre-construction including bid and framework management, I decided to further progress my career by joining Winvic in my current role of Pre-Construction Manager.

How long have you been at Winvic? 3 years

Describe working at Winvic in 3 words. Rewarding. Challenging. Valued.

Why Construction? Ever since I can remember, construction has fascinated me. From the simple, through to the most complex of schemes, each is unique. Every project is successfully delivered, despite any operational or timescale challenges, by bringing a hugely diverse workforce together. We all work towards the same goal and continuously improve from lessons learnt each time. I love how the industry, and especially Winvic, embraces using the latest technology to be innovative and finds solutions to problems, whilst helping to protect the environment for future generations. Construction is both challenging and rewarding and I’m proud to be part of it.

What attracted you to Winvic? Winvic is a market leader in the industry and the leadership of the business is truly unique. The thing that struck me almost instantly was the vision and attitude to how a successful construction company could operate – that is, the ‘Winvic Way’. It’s in everything that is done and is embraced within the business across each of the sectors and departments. Even with all the challenges, changes and complexities of construction, the core values of the business and the vision of how it operates remain.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to join Winvic? If you are looking for a main contractor within the construction industry who is people centric, forward thinking, innovative and sustainable amongst many other positives then Winvic will be for you.

Name: Hollie Parkes
Position: Site Engineer

Describe your role. As a Site Engineer, I provide the setting out for the subcontractors on site, to enable them to build the job effectively and efficiently. Other site activities include writing permits to ensure subcontractors work safely, reading drawings and calculating quantities of materials. A Site Engineer has the responsibility of carrying out day-to-day management of subcontractors, ensuring that the works are planned efficiently to align with the construction programme.

Tell me about your career path leading up to your current role. I studied a degree in Civil Engineering at Nottingham Trent University for four years. In my third year, I completed an industry placement at Winvic which enabled me to gain invaluable site experience and understand what it means to be a Site Engineer. After an amazing 15 months on site and once I’d graduated from university, Winvic offered me a full-time job as a Site Engineer.

How long have you been at Winvic? 18 months since graduating (two and a half years if you include my placement).

Describe working at Winvic in 3 words. Friendly, Supportive, Rewarding

Why Construction? I liked the idea of working together in a team and making something seen on drawings ‘come to life’. I also like working in an outdoor environment, solving problems on site and I enjoy never having two days the same.

What attracted you to Winvic? Winvic offers great opportunities through apprenticeships, placements and graduate schemes which enables students and young people to have a fantastic start to their careers in construction. I was particularly interested in the variety of sectors Winvic was involved with as well as the schemes they were undertaking at the time, particularly SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway which is close to where I live.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to join Winvic? I feel very lucky to work here and to have the opportunity to meet a wide variety of knowledgeable and experienced people, all of who have been so helpful throughout my time at Winvic. I recommend that anyone studying a construction industry related degree should apply for a placement here to help start your career in construction in a friendly and supportive environment.

Name: Matt Meanwell
Position: Construction Manager

Describe your role. I work within the industrial sector at Winvic, managing the day-to-day running of a site, which includes the coordination of trades, programming activity and ensuring HSEQ policies and protocols are adhered to. Working closely with the Project Manager and engineers, I sequence ongoing and future packages of work, coordinate those works and evaluate progress against the programme.

Tell me about your career path leading up to your current role. I started out as a chain lad and worked for the same company for 14 years, progressing from Trainee Site Manager through to Assistant Site Manager, Site Manager and Senior Site Manager. I came to Winvic in 2019 and have worked on a number of projects now. I was promoted to Construction Manager in Summer 2021, most recently I have worked on an industrial facility for DSV at Mercia Park and three industrial units at Prologis Park Hams Hall. I’m currently working in Ellesmere Port to construct a 667,000 sq ft parts distribution centre for our client Stoford, which has been pre-let to Peugeot.

How long have you been at Winvic? 3 and a half years.

Describe working at Winvic in 3 words. Large, fast-paced, market-leading.

Why construction? Why not! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t find their job rewarding – it’s great to spend every day working in a team that’s all focused on doing a good job. No two days are the same and through every week of a project you get a sense of achievement as progress happens before your eyes.

What attracted you to Winvic?  I was impressed by how they came across on the website, social media and in promotional videos – professional and that they really care about their projects and employees. Seeing the size of the projects on Winvic Live and in Case Studies was interesting and I was hoping to work on different and larger scale schemes than I had done previously.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to join Winvic? Just get in touch! We continue to win projects across the country and are always looking for people with the right skills and attitude to join the team.

Name: Oliwia Karwatka
Position: BIM Coordinator

Describe your role. I’m currently working as a BIM Coordinator as part of the Digital Delivery team, assisting on Winvic’s Industrial and Multi-room projects. I create 3D models from 2D drawings across multi-disciplines for clash detection, to eliminate issues during the construction progress. My role also involves creating CGIs, 3D sequences and video animations of project build timelines, as well as providing 4D planning support. I love what I do as I get to work with different teams on a variety of projects, coming up with creative ideas of how to make projects come to life during the tender stage. Aside to my main role, I am proud to be a STEM Ambassador. Having the opportunity to encourage future generations to consider a career in construction, by showing them the creative roles within this job sector, is really exciting.

Tell me about your career path leading up to your current role. After finishing my Architectural Technology degree, I began working at Winvic in October 2020 as a CAD Technician. I progressed to a BIM Coordinator in December 2020 and became part of the Digital Delivery team at the end of 2021. Throughout my career at Winvic, I am continuously expanding my skill set and creating new and efficient processes to solve any problems that may arise.

How long have you been at Winvic? I have been at Winvic for two and a half years.

Describe working at Winvic in 3 words. Exciting, challenging and rewarding.

Why Construction? When considering different careers, it was important for me to ensure that I would have a sense of accomplishment when completing tasks and projects. This led me to researching the construction sector job roles, mainly looking at the creative roles within construction.

What attracted you to Winvic? When I researched the company, I saw that Winvic values its employees and encourages them to reach their full potential, whilst enjoying their job roles. I am a very ambitious individual, so it is important to me to have a variety of opportunities and projects to work on; both of which Winvic provides.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to join Winvic? If you enjoy challenges, working hard and reaching your personal growth goals. I would advise you to go for it! Nothing bad can ever happen from applying and you never know, it could lead you to an amazing career path.

Name: Craig Reason
Position: Project Manager

Describe your role.  am a Project Manager within the Multi-room sector and I’m currently working on a Build-to-Rent scheme in Sheffield. I am responsible for all of the programming, Health and Safety, Quality Assurance and Environmental matters on site. A large part of my role is building relationships and liaising with stakeholders, including the client, the end-user, local authorities, national organisations and of course the team. I keep the senior team up to date with the progress as well as the general public – my door is always open basically! I enjoy getting involved in the social value side of our project delivery, engaging with community and charity organisations to offer help where it’s needed and I’m currently mentoring a local sixth form student.

Tell me about your career path leading up to your current role.  I started my career path by taking a carpentry apprenticeship with a company close to where I lived, leaving school after my O levels at 16 years of age. After a number of college courses in construction, I became a site foreman and then progressed to site management and then project management. During my career progression, I have sat numerous training and professional development courses to reinforce my knowledge of the industry and I’m now on Winvic’s Momentum Programme for leadership development.

How long have you been at Winvic? Just over two years.

Describe working at Winvic in 3 words. Fulfilling. Rewarding. Exciting

Why Construction? I’ve always had an interest in construction and joinery. The career offers many exciting challenges and there’s a constant need to review and develop your own skills.  No day is the same as another and I like the variation of working alongside numerous trades and abroad range of talented individuals. I’d recommend a career in construction to anyone who is looking for excitement and likes to be challenged.

What attracted you to Winvic? The scope of works on the types of projects they win are exciting and challenging for a Project Manager. With excellent communication and high levels of trust in place, I really value Winvic’s promotion of autonomy – I can follow company guidelines and procedures, but also manage projects responsibly in my own way.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to join Winvic?  Be prepared to be challenged in your job role, look for new and innovative ways to do things and always strive for improvement.  Within a Winvic team, you will be fully supported to reach your goals if you have the right attitude.

Name: Ammara Dassu
Position: Site Engineer

Describe your role. I’m currently a Site Engineer at Winvic. During my time here I have worked on projects in both the infrastructure and industrial sectors. My daily duties involve setting out and surveying different aspects of the project, as well as liaising with subcontractors to ensure that everyone is happy with the work that needs to be completed.

Tell me about your career path leading up to your current role. I started off with an interest in architecture but throughout my A levels my curiosity in how things were built started to grow, so I chose a degree in Civil Engineering. When looking for a placement at university, I came across Winvic at a careers fair. After speaking to a Trainee Site Engineer I was impressed by what they had to say and I applied. I went on to do my ‘Year in Industry’ placement with Winvic and thoroughly enjoyed it. After completing my degree, I returned to Winvic as a full-time graduate Site Engineer.

How long have you been at Winvic? I undertook my ‘Year in Industry’ with Winvic in 2021 working for 12 months at the Mercia Park project. I returned to Winvic after graduating in September 2023 and since then I have been working on the major infrastructure project at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton.

Describe working at Winvic in 3 words. Ambitious, exciting, educational

Why Construction? Every day on site is different and being involved in the development of buildings from paper to handover attracted me to the industry. It’s very rewarding.

What attracted you to Winvic? Whilst on my placement year with Winvic I soon realised that everyone here is willing to help and push you to reach your full potential. The different teams I have worked with have all motivated me to learn and grow within the industry and have focused on my development to help me to progress my career.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to join Winvic? Be open to learning new things and taking on new challenges.

See my blog for more insights.

Name: Natasha Owen
Position: T Level Placement Student

Describe your role. I am a T-Level student at Bridgwater and Taunton College and I work at a Winvic site every Monday as the work placement element of my course. I sit in on meetings, go onto site with members of the team and try to learn new things whenever I can. I wouldn’t say I have a defined role, but all the activities I undertake tie into my continuous learning and development.

Tell me about your career path leading up to your current role. After achieving my GCSEs, I moved on to college doing a T-Level course, and as part of that course I have to complete 315 hours of on site work experience with a company. Winvic has been great in providing me with this opportunity to learn and have invaluable experience of hands-on construction.

How long have you been at Winvic? I have been at Winvic for almost three months now, consecutively each week.

Describe working at Winvic in 3 words. Collaborative, engaging, rewarding.

Why Construction? As a woman, I was never drawn to the historic stereotypical ‘female roles’, and construction has always been an interest of mine that I wanted to pursue. It is such a rewarding industry and every day you learn something new, face challenges and work as part of a collaborative group. Being able to step back and look at a final product knowing you’ve played a part in it, is something that really appeals to me.

What attracted you to Winvic? With my placement, it’s about gaining a lot of experience so when I got the chance to do my placement at Winvic’s Redcliff Quarter Build-to-Rent scheme in Bristol I was overjoyed. It is a very large project that will have a lot of different challenges along the way, which will be an amazing learning opportunity. The knowledge I’ve gained so far has allowed me to develop my learning in class and share my experience with my peers.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to join Winvic? Winvic is an amazing company to learn with and my colleagues on site are lovely and always accommodating. The management team has such a great attitude towards the job and everyone and everything involved. Winvic has set an amazing example for me for the rest of my career.

Name: Jessica Beniston
Position: BTEC Industry Placement Student

Describe your role. I am currently undertaking a work experience placement at Winvic as part of my college course.  My role is to shadow the site team, from the Project Manager to the engineers, learning all about the different stages of a project. I have been learning, with the guidance of the engineers, how to check the rebar [HS1] for the pre pour inspections and marking out gridlines.  Going out on to the site has given me practical, hands-on knowledge, that I could not have gained at college. I have also been able to sit in on meetings with the client and the design team, headed up by the Project Manager, learning all the behind the scenes of the project.

Tell me about your career path leading up to your current role. I am currently enrolled on a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma course in Civil Engineering at West Nottinghamshire College where we learn about management, site investigations, different foundations and much more. I have been offered an apprenticeship with Winvic within the Civil Engineering side of the business.

How long have you been at Winvic? Since March 2022

Describe working at Winvic in 3 words. Exciting, Friendly, Challenging

Why Construction? I was fascinated by every detail within the construction industry, from the structure of the building, the way it is designed, to every little component and material used to create a project. Construction isn’t a repetitive job, and every day brings new challenges and excitement.

What attracted you to Winvic? Winvic stood out within the industry, from the way they train new employees on and off site, to the way they approach projects in different sectors – Multi-room, Civils and Infrastructure or Industrial. Winvic has a broad community, and all employees strive for success.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to join Winvic? Don’t be afraid to follow the pathway that your heart most desires. There might be challenges but Winvic always finds a way.