Member Article

Barratt Homes Sales Director offers inspirational advice to future female construction workers in latest video

As students begin to consider their next steps after exams, a member of the board from Barratt Homes Southampton division is encouraging young women to think about a career in property.

Sales Director Tammy Bishop, who started her career in 1999 and became the youngest female area manager in her field, says there is plenty of opportunity in the industry for young people wondering what their future careers may look like.

In Barratt Homes’ latest video, Tammy said: “Things have changed very quickly over the past 3-5 years, and there are now so many more opportunities out there for anyone contemplating a career in construction – particularly for young women.

“I’ve gone from being one of the only females in a male-dominated industry 23 years ago, to being one of many today. It’s beginning to feel like it’s no longer a “man’s industry”, which is great to see.”

Tammy, who started working for Barratt Homes in 2014, says no two days are the same in her role as Sales Director. One day she can be in a board meeting and the next day she’s out at developments, meeting customers, construction teams and site managers, as well as managing her own large sales teams. It’s that challenge, she says, that keeps the buzz alive in her role.

And, with four children of her own all turning down further education in favour of going straight into work, Tammy has seen first-hand that University isn’t always necessary to make the most of your career.

“There are lots more young women coming through our apprenticeships program at Barratt, as well as through graduate schemes,” Tammy said. “I hope one day the stigma of property as a “man’s industry” will change for good.”

Her advice to any young person who’s fearful about taking the next steps in their career, is that they needn’t worry as there will always be people on the ground who can support them.

“Just do it!” Tammy says. “Barratt prides itself on taking on staff with little or no experience, and teaching them via an excellent scheme of training and mentoring, so that they can go on to do great things.

“My biggest pleasure is seeing how I can influence someone’s life in a positive way and empower them to achieve what they’ve always wanted.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .