Recently, Design & Planning Technician Tom Burton-Holmes graduated from Wolverhampton University with a First-Class Honours degree in Construction Management, as well as receiving the William Gough Group Prize for achieving the highest overall grade across the Construction Management course. To celebrate this fantastic achievement, we’ve talked to him about his journey so far at Shropshire Homes, and his plans for the future…
Tom joined Shropshire Homes in 2021 as our Trainee Agreements & Services Coordinator which was his first real step into the construction industry, having tried a few different routes while deciding what career suited him.
During his time in Agreements & Services, Tom completed his HNC in Construction and the Built Environment (read more here), which led to a growing interest in the development of sites themselves – “I became increasingly interested in the earlier stages of a project - particularly how developments are designed, planned and coordinated before construction begins. I wanted to broaden my knowledge and understand more of the process from the initial design through to construction.”
Moving into his current role and beginning his studies of Construction Management, Tom enjoys his position in Design & Planning thanks to its variety; “No two developments are the same, and there are always different challenges to work through. I enjoy being involved in the technical side of the design and planning process and seeing how decisions made at the design stage ultimately translate into something that can be built on site. I also enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the role. There are often several things that need to be considered at once, so finding a solution that works technically, practically and for the wider development is really rewarding.”
Tom’s degree has enhanced his technical understanding of construction, helping him have a greater awareness of why certain decisions are made in the design process, and how different elements of a development interact with each other. He feels his academic knowledge has given him a stronger foundation in all aspects of his role, helping him work through problems and understand the bigger picture.
As well as supporting him academically through his college and university courses, Tom feels Shropshire Homes has supported him in a number of ways; “The best part about Shropshire Homes is the people and the opportunities to develop. I've been given the chance to experience different areas of the business and take on new responsibilities, which has allowed me to keep learning and progressing. There's also a really good sense that everyone is working towards the same goal. I've had people around me who have been willing to share their knowledge and support me, and that's played a big part in helping me get to where I am today.”
So what’s next for Tom? He’d like to continue developing his technical knowledge and experience within design, planning and construction, working towards a senior technical position to contribute to larger and more complex developments, and feels Shropshire Homes is the perfect place for him to do this; “The company has already given me opportunities to develop and move into different areas, so I'd like to continue progressing here, taking on new challenges and learning from the people around me. Ultimately, I'd like to build a long-term career with Shropshire Homes and continue progressing within the business.”
A huge congratulations to Tom from all of us at Shropshire Homes, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!