Ex-army engineer, Evans Osifo-Doe has progressed through the ranks at Hopkins Homes to become an accomplished site manager trainee.
Evans was a mechanic with the British Army Engineers (REME) a role that involved ensuring all vehicles were ready for operation.
When he left the military, Evans needed to consider a change in career and was one of the first to sign up to Hopkins Homes’ Assistant Site Manager Training scheme when it launched in 2019.
The scheme gave individuals the chance of gaining hands-on experience on Hopkins Homes’ developments across East Anglia, while gaining recognised professional qualifications. Evans is a site manager trainee at the recently launched Miller’s Gate development in Soham, Cambridgeshire.
Evans said: “The role is fantastic and I’ve learned so much during my time with Hopkins Homes.
“It has proved to be quite a natural move from the military. When I left the army I knew I wanted to do something hands-on as this is where my military training was focused. My experience with the armed forces also proved that I enjoyed working with people as part of a team and had the discipline to maintain a strong work ethic.
“Being a site manager trainee is a very rewarding role and I’m now looking to develop my skills even further. It’s a pleasure to be part of such an amazing team and contribute to the creation of exceptional properties that people are proud to call home.”
As a site manager Evans plays a key role within the production management team and liaises with all contractors on the development, such as electricians and plumbers. This is to make sure each home is of the highest quality and compliant with regulations. He also shows new customers around the development offering guidance on the maintenance and operation of their new home.
Armed Forces Day will be marked across the country this Saturday (June 26th) and provides a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans, and cadets.
In 2020, Hopkins Homes received the Silver Employer Recognition Award in recognition of the company’s support for the Armed Forces Community.
The Employer Recognition Scheme recognises organisations who pledge, demonstrate and advocate their support for the defence community and the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to businesses.
Shane Vinyard, Head of Quality Assurance at Hopkins Homes, who is also the Assistant Site Manager Programme Lead, said: “I myself had a military career before joining Hopkins Homes so I know first-hand that ex-service personnel are very hard workers and are used to work as part of a team.
“Evans has been a fantastic addition to the team and has already made a positive impact at Hopkins Homes.”
Other recognition of the military from the company has included the naming of six streets and a green open space at its Meadow View development in Swanton Morley, Norfolk, after seven soldiers who were killed in action in Afghanistan.
The streets were named Brandon Close, Dennis Close, Lawrence Way, Lombardi Mews, Moffett Road and Whiteside Mews. The open space is known as Davidson Park. It helped ensure that the sacrifices of L/Cpl Richard Brandon, L/Cpl David Dennis, Trooper Phillip Lawrence, Craftsman Anthony Lombardi, L/Cpl Nigel Moffett, Trooper Christopher Whiteside and Sgt Lee Davidson will never be forgotten.
To find out more about Hopkins Homes, visit: www.hopkinshomes.co.uk