How do you find your dream job?How do you find your dream job?
Not many 16 year olds know what career they’re interested in pursuing and Tyler Gaston was no exception when he signed up to an optional school visit at Linden Homes’ The Orchards development in Thornbury. Fast forward 18 months and Tyler is now working on the site as a trainee assistant site manager as part of the company’s management trainee scheme!
Speaking about his experience, Tyler commented: “I was studying for my A levels at The Castle School in Thornbury and really didn’t know what I wanted to do afterwards. I had chosen subjects I enjoyed: history, business studies and medical science but they didn’t lead to a specific job and I didn’t want to be in full time education once my exams were over; I wanted a career.”
Linden Homes held an event as part of the national Open Doors programme, where it opened its doors to local schools, The Castle School and The Sheiling School, for students to learn more about the housebuilding process and the diverse range of jobs available – from technical manager to land buyer, surveyor to marketing manager.
Tyler added: “I enjoyed the school visit to The Orchards and was interested to hear about the different build stages and even try my hand at bricklaying.” Mick Arnold, construction director at Linden Homes, was at the event and said: “I was really impressed with Tyler’s enthusiasm and the specific questions he asked. You could tell he had a natural interest in construction and was a bright lad. We offered to give Tyler some work experience over the summer holidays to help him decide what aspect of the profession he was most interested in.”
Tyler spent time in each department which included working on site, viewing a new land opportunity in Gloucestershire and joining the technical team at a meeting with Network Rail. He continued: “I loved the work experience and knew straight away that I wanted to be out on site. When Mick told me about the management trainee scheme, it sounded perfect and I couldn’t believe it when I was offered a job!”
Tyler joined Linden Homes at the end of July 2019, after obtaining B,B,C in his A levels. The two year trainee management course involves learning on site at The Orchards and studying one day a week for a HNC in Construction and the Built Environment at Bath College.
Speaking about his new job, he said: “Every day is different and I love working with so many different people on site. My challenge over the next couple of years is filling the gaps in my knowledge but I’m working closely with Matt Bishop, the site manager, who’s very experienced and he never seems to mind me firing hundreds of questions at him – he always spares the time to explain everything clearly to me.
“Learning practically suits me. I’m getting hands on experience and earning money at the same time, as well as working towards a qualification – I couldn’t be happier to find a job that I love, with a clear mapped out career path.”
Mick added: “We’re delighted to have Tyler on board, he gets in early to ensure he’s ready before the contractors arrive and is a real asset to the team. It shows how school visits can inspire students on their career path and I would definitely recommend others to follow Tyler’s example – it’s the best industry to work in!”
Mick’s tips on how to find your chosen career:Mick’s tips on how to find your chosen career:
- take advantage of opportunities when they arise
- actively participate in school visits
- accept work experience offers
- build contacts and follow up to show that you’re interested
- listen and ask questions
Tyler, now 18, lives is Pilning, near Bristol with his parents and brother.
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Media can contact Emma Mackay on 077383 12960 for more information, images and interviews with Linden Homes.
