Site manager highlights transferable skills ahead of Armed Forces Day
25 Jun 2021

From the British Army to a well-run housebuilding site, Tony Lamb found his career move remarkably easy and puts it down to the shared skillset both professions require. Tony works for Vistry Group, which includes Bovis Homes and Linden Homes, and he is highlighting these transferable skills as part of Armed Forces Day (Saturday 26th June). After joining the housebuilding industry in 2015, he started working for Bovis Homes as an assistant site manager in December 2017 and was swiftly promoted to site manager in 2019. Commenting on his experience, Tony, 33, said: “After school, I went straight into the military. I joined the British Army in 2004 at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate at 16 years old and absolutely loved it. I became a lance corporal in the Royal Tank Regiment and went on two tours: Iraq in 2006 and Afghanistan in 2010. “My role involved crewing various positions on Challenger 2 main battle tank and Scimitar CVR(T) reconnaissance vehicles, plus other various armoured vehicle platforms. I also looked after the vehicle fleet, organised maintenance schedules and services, called off materials, and conducted health and safety checks. I oversaw 10 men and the job was surprisingly similar to managing subcontractors and a site team, it required forward planning and organisation.” Originally from Southampton, Tony lives in Trowbridge with his wife Ashley, two children: Oscar, seven and Connor, 12, and his dog, Zeus. In his spare time, he is a keen cyclist competing in both road and cross-country races. Tony said: “Initially when I joined the British Army, I didn’t have children. However, having dependents did change things for me and I also started to think about my long-term future. If I waited and did my full 22 years’ service, I felt it would leave me at a tricky age to forge a new career path, but if I left aged 27 years then I could start progressing straight away in a new profession. “The skills required in the British Army and on site are definitely transferable as you need to be disciplined, adaptable and good at overcoming challenges. There’s great camaraderie and I thought it would be hard to find another role like it as it’s those relationships you create that makes the teamwork so effortless. I wanted a job where you could have a similar bond with your colleagues, as well as opportunities for promotion, and in construction there is that clear career path. “I am now site manager at Linden Homes’ Spinnaker development in Westbury, responsible for delivering a phase of 80 homes and I really enjoy the role. I’d recommend anyone who is coming out of the forces to consider a job in construction, as you’ll find the transition much smoother than imagined and you’ll already have the main qualities required for the role, without even realising it!” Managing director, Dave Farley added: “It’s amazing to hear how transferable skills can be between two professions and it’s been a huge advantage for us ?" having sites run with military precision! “It’s been wonderful to see Tony become a mentor for the charity BuildForce, sharing his experience and offering support to others. The charity helps people with resettlement, after they have left the forces and as part of the scheme we will be welcoming ex-military personnel to our sites for mentoring and work placements, for them to see if it’s a profession they’re interested in pursuing. It’s a fantastic organisation and we’re delighted to help.” Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets. For further information visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk And for more details on career opportunities and new homes available near you visit www.lindenhomes.co.uk and www.bovishomes.co.uk

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