ROSIE, AGED 19 FROM PRESTON, TALKS ABOUT STARTING A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION, AND HOW SHE WANTS TO ENCOURAGE MORE GIRLS INTO THE SECTOR
Rosie Coyle – Level 4 Construction Management apprenticeship
A long-held passion for building and construction was behind Rosie Coyle from Preston’s decision to pursue an apprenticeship with the UK’s leading manager and developer of retirement communities.
Rosie is based at McCarthy Stone’s North West’s divisional office in Altrincham, as part of the development team, which means that she is working on some of its new, state-of-the-art retirement living developments in areas right across the region, including Liverpool and Greater Manchester.
Rosie, 19, started her level 4 construction site supervisor apprenticeship in September 2022 after completing her A-levels, and is loving the variety of the course and the different perspectives it brings.
“I changed my mind a lot when I was younger, about what I wanted to do with my career. I’d been around building sites in the past and had been fascinated by the process. I began looking into apprenticeships and it became clear this was the right path for me.
“As a girl at a very academically focused school, a career in construction was perhaps an unusual choice – but I’m loving it and I’ve no regrets.”
Rosie continued: “I love the fact that in the construction industry you can see the difference and the progress you are making. You can experience the complete lifespan of a project, from acquisition of a piece of land, right through to completion and new homeowners moving in; and when you’re on site you can see the build progress day by day.”
Rosie’s reasons for choosing an apprenticeship rather than another learning path were clear and simple: “I learn best while working on the job. Working alongside learning means I am able to pick things up quicker.”
“It’s also helping me develop my communication and problem-solving skills, while I’m able to gain valuable knowledge by asking questions of the experts as I go.”
As well as working on site doing various rotations between the different specialist teams, Rosie attends college 32 hours per month where she is learning the theory behind quantity surveying and site management.
Rosie chose McCarthy Stone to apply for an apprenticeship due to their strong reputation in the sector. “McCarthy Stone are a well-established company and therefore I knew I would be learning from people with great knowledge. I also liked the ethos of the company. Creating communities for the elderly that allow them to live independently for as long as possible, and where they have easy access to support is very important, and with an increasingly ageing population, we need to build more of this type of housing to better cater to their needs.”
Rosie thinks more girls would consider a career in construction if they knew about all the options available.
“Some girls may be put off by the fact that construction has historically been quite male dominated, however I have come across lots of women during my training who are hugely successful within the field. I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship and would encourage other girls to consider construction as a worthwhile career. There are so many diverse roles that you can do and so much opportunity to build on these skills and qualifications.”
More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation. McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this rating every year we have taken part in the survey.
McCarthy Stone boasts over forty years’ experience in creating award-winning premium properties that are thoughtfully designed to assist retirees as they grow older. A McCarthy Stone apartment offers more than a stylish home to feel proud of. It gives retirees access to a vibrant, community of neighbours and friends. Homeowners can get as much or as little support as they need. Plus, all its properties are carefully located within easy access to amenities, like shops, restaurants and sports facilities.
For more information about retirement living in the North West, please visit McCarthy Stone.
