Management trainee Megan Roberts is looking forward to building a career with Castle Green Homes.
Megan is studying for a BA Business Management with a Year in Industry at the University of Liverpool. As part of her degree, she chose to complete a Year in Industry at Castle Green Homes.
During the programme, she’s gained invaluable experience across the business in land, technical, design, commercial, health and safety, construction, human resources, with just sales and marketing to complete before she returns to university in September. This has given her insight into how departments collaborate to achieve success.
“When I commenced my university studies, I was uncertain about my career aspirations. However, I have grown up with a longstanding interest in the construction and housing industry, significantly influenced by my parents’ successful business in the sector, making the decision to work at Castle Green extremely appropriate as it aligns with my interests.” Megan, 21, from Rhuddlan, North Wales, explained.
“I aspired to work for Castle Green due to their reputation as a growing business. I believe I have joined the company at a significant point of their growth process, with lots of opportunity to progress. Castle Green have employed management trainees in the past completing a couple of departments, however I’m the first to cover the business as a whole. It’s been a highly beneficial programme which I think should be continued, particularly for individuals like me who were initially uncertain about the opportunities in the industry.”
She’s developed transferrable skills and acquired a comprehensive understanding of the business with the support of in-house training from colleagues.
“Castle Green has a diverse workforce of wide age ranges, including a substantial number of women, which has enabled me to form great friendships. They adopt positive staff relations, creating a friendly and supportive work environment for all employees,” said Megan.
Megan has achieved a first class grade for the year while on placement, and returns to university in the autumn to complete her final year of studies, before she graduates next summer.
She’s already in talks with Castle Green about a potential future role within the business.
“This year has provided me with a well-defined vision of my career path and reinforced my interest and ambition to pursue a career with Castle Green Homes,” Megan added.
“I aspire to secure a graduate role and advance my career within either the land or commercial department and strive to develop into a senior role in years to come.”
Megan’s advice to other women considering a career in the construction industry is that confidence is the most important attribute to have.
“Historically, the industry has been predominantly male dominated, leading to the misconception that women cannot excel in this field. However, women currently constitute 15% of the industry, with women in Castle Green making up 41% of the company, showing the company’s commitment to women in construction.” Megan said.
“Another crucial piece of advice is to remain open to learning new things, and consistently ask questions to understand the rationale behind practices. By doing so, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the processes and methodologies employed within the industry.”
Castle Green is headquartered in St Asaph, has an office at Preston Brook and 10 live development sites across North Wales and the Northwest of England.
The business now directly employs 106 people – an increase of 28% since 2021.
Chief executive Gwyn Jones said:
“As a business we’re committed to helping young people like Megan develop new skills and forge successful careers within the housebuilding industry. Nurturing new and emerging talent is imperative if we’re to continue to grow the business and deliver much-needed new homes across North Wales and the Northwest of England.”
