New career for former Devon Royal Marine

For 29-year-old former Royal Marine Greig Mills, a chance encounter at a jobs fair has turned into a blossoming career.

The Tiverton resident is now on track to become a site manager for the country’s biggest housebuilder, after joining the Barratt Developments Trainee Assistant Site Manager Programme for the Forces Community.

Greig signed up for the Royal Marines after leaving college and enjoyed the lifestyle, which saw him travel all over the world. After six and a half years in the forces he decided it was time for a change and, having always been interested in construction, he started looking at opportunities for a new career.

“I went to one of the Career Transition Partnership jobs fairs in Bristol last year and was interested in the trainee programme and development opportunities Barratt was offering. I asked to spend time on site while on annual leave, which gave me an insight into the job role. They offered to keep me on afterwards and put me through the Trainee Assistant Site Manager Programme.”

Greig started his training with the company in September, taking part in a number of courses through the Barratt Training Academy and started working on site earlier this year.

“I’ve been learning a lot working with an experienced construction department.,” he said. “I think there are a lot of transferable skills going from the Royal Marines to the job of a site manager. Leadership, management and communication play a key role.”

Greig is currently working at the Rougemont Park development in Exeter, which is being built by David Wilson Homes, part of Barratt Developments, and says he’s been quick to settle into civilian life. “It takes a bit of getting used to but I’ve been so focused on the job that I’m quite used to the change now,” he said.

Looking to the future, Greig has ambitions to rise through the ranks of Barratt Developments, progressing to a fully fledge site manager within the next few years. “I’d recommend a training programme like this to anyone who’s interested in construction, whether they’re ex-forces or not,” he said. “If you’re motivated and ambitious there are plenty of opportunities to progress your career.”

To find out more about Barratt Developments’ Trainee Assistant Site Manager Programme for the Forces Community and apply online at www.barrattcareers.co.uk. Applications close on July 31st.