Rowans aiming to grow in new roles

Rowan Lovering and Rowan Thomas have a lot in common.  Apart from their shared name, they both went to the same school, come from villages just a few miles apart, and are now both working on our County Flats development as they train to become quantity surveyors.

We went down to the site to meet them and find out about how their careers are going so far:

Rowan Lovering, a Tai Tarian resident from Seven Sisters, always knew what direction he wanted to head in after finishing school:

“I’ve been involved in construction, helping my father, all my life. So, when I left school I knew that that was something I wanted to go into.

“Added to that, was the fact that I really enjoyed maths at school, so it set me wondering how I could combine the two.  After a bit of research, it looked like becoming a quantity surveyor would suit me down to the ground.

“At about the same time Hale were recruiting for trainee quantity surveyors, so I applied and was lucky enough to offered the opportunity.

“I am mainly office-based but will regularly come down to the site so I can gain some practical experience.  I also spend one day a week in college, working towards my formal qualifications.

“It’s all going well so far, I’m learning lots and am thoroughly enjoying it.  Hopefully this is the start of a long career in the industry.”

Rowan Thomas was also inspired by his family to enter the construction industry, with his brother already working as quantity surveyor:
“I could see how well my brother was doing and thought doing something similar would suit me too.  I also love seeing how the construction industry can have a positive impact on a community through improving facilities or providing new homes, like we are doing here at County Flats.

“Like Rowan, I also spend one day a week in college with the rest of my time on site, gaining practical experience. It’s a two-year course initially, with then a further five years studying in university. 

“Long term I hope to become a site manager, but for now, I’m really enjoying the experience and learning lots which will stand me in good stead for the future.”

The two have been taken on by Hale Construction as they work to re-develop Tai Tarian’s County Flats in Sandfields.  The two were employed as part of the company’s commitment to employ local people on the project and to give opportunities to young people starting out in their careers.

As well as the two Rowans, Hale have also taken on a further 23 people so far in a variety of work experience, traineeships, apprenticeships, and full-time jobs.

David Harrhy, Managing Director at Hale Construction said:
“The County Flats development is a landmark project for both us and Tai Tarian.  As a result, we wanted to give local people the opportunity to develop their careers with us.

“The two Rowans are a fantastic example of this, and we are really pleased to see how they have both have grasped their opportunity and are developing both professionally and personally.

“Given how far they’ve progressed so far, I’m sure they both have a long, prosperous careers ahead of them.”