Property maintenance company Platform Property Care is celebrating the academic success of its only female service manager.
Stacey Bowling, who works at Platform Property Care, a subsidiary of social landlord Platform Housing Group, has recently passed an HNC in Construction.
Stacey manages the organisation’s unoccupied properties in both Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, and began her career in social housing 12 years ago at the age of 17.
She explained: “Working in social housing has been the best career decision I could have made.
“To begin with the jobs I worked in, provided back office support within Repairs and Maintenance, I was keen to develop my skills however and ultimately move into a more technical role.”
“As I had no specialist trade experience or qualifications, I thought my options would be extremely limited – I couldn’t have been further from the truth.”
All employees at Platform Property Care receive a career development plan with the chance to gain formal qualifications.
Stacey has been supported in her studies – including an NVQ Level 3 in Management, a BTEC Level 3 in Workforce Development, and a Level 2 Certificate in Contracts Law – culminating in a BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment, giving her an in-depth knowledge of subjects including construction technology and surveying.
Stacey is now studying for an NVQ Level 4 in Construction Site Supervision.
Malcolm Kaszics, assistant director of Property Management and Growth at Platform Property Care, said: “We are so proud of Stacey. Her success is testimony to her hard work and dedication.
“Interestingly, women make up a mere 11% of the construction workforce in the UK and just 1% of workers on site.
“Indeed, the proportion of those with specialist skills such as roofers, bricklayers, and glaziers are so low they are practically unmeasurable.
“However, here at Platform Property Care we strongly feel that the role of women in construction is critical for equality, fairness, parity and impartially within the construction sector.
“Congratulations to Stacey and we look forward to her continuing career success.”
Stacey concluded: “I am proud to work for Platform Property Care, and hope my contribution will help us to achieve our aims as a social housing provider.
“I have never felt that my gender or age has held me back, and I am passionate about women developing careers in what are seen as traditional male roles.
“My aim is to continue to learn and improve every day and be part of something that really does change lives.”
Image: Platform’s Stacey Bowling
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