Within the Shropshire Homes’ team, we are fortunate to have individuals who stand out not only for their professional accomplishments but also for their commitment to making a positive impact in the local community and beyond. One such individual is Training Manager, Ian Lawson, a remarkable personality who has been a driving force for training initiatives at Shropshire Homes since 2015. To celebrate Ian’s dedication to his role at Shropshire Homes and to his external volunteering and charity work, Ian shared his journey, experiences, and vision for a fulfilling life.
Ian's professional journey began in the realm of Transport and Distribution, a field now commonly referred to as Logistics. With a degree under his belt, he embarked on a career that led him through various roles in both the public and private sectors. In 1997, he left his position at Royal Mail in Cheshire to take on an exciting role with Office International, which later became Lyreco UK. Relocating his family to Telford, Shropshire for this new venture was met with some initial scepticism from his five children, but Ian's determination and vision soon proved its worth and he soon became Head of Training and then Director of Training at Lyreco.
After over a decade of dedicated service, Ian sought a fresh challenge and found it at Madeley Academy. Here, Ian was the Director of Vocational Training, playing an important role in establishing a Vocational Training centre, offering a diverse range of subjects including hospitality & catering, child development, horticulture, and more. On leaving Madeley Academy, Ian was looking for a part-time role where he could utilise his expertise in training, which is when he came across the Training Manager role.
Ian's impact doesn't stop at the doors of Shropshire Homes. He has cultivated and planned his life in a way that allows him to spend his free time helping others. He's a shining example of how one can leverage their background and skills to create a fulfilling life beyond the confines of traditional corporate roles. Ian and his wife embarked on a journey into property investment, renovating ex-Wrekin housing trust properties. This venture not only provided financial stability but allowed Ian to walk away from the 5-day working week in his 50th year.
With newfound time, Ian's passion for helping others is at the forefront of this weekly routine. Tuesdays are dedicated volunteer and charity days, with mornings spent at the Dothill nature reserve, engaging in meaningful conservation work. In the afternoons, Ian is an integral part of Severn Hospice, contributing his skills to ensure best practices across their 30 shops. Ian's commitment to the betterment of society extends globally as well, with his financial support helping children in developing countries access education. In addition to all of this, Ian and his wife were also foster carers for 12 years, which Ian described as “challenging and rewarding, but overall a positive experience”.
Ian has had several proud moments whilst working at Shropshire Homes. As a one-day-a-week Training Manager, he has played a crucial role in keeping his colleagues safe, competent, and qualified. His influence extends to witnessing young individuals achieve degrees while working at Shropshire Homes, along with Site Managers gaining NVQ 6 certifications, a testament to their competence and abilities.
Among his accomplishments, securing a £15,000 grant for training, recruiting over 20 carpentry and brickwork apprentices, and witnessing two apprentices win £1500 bursary awards stand out as remarkable achievements. These milestones not only underscore Ian's dedication but also Shropshire Homes' commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth.
Ian’s advice is to make a difference and be nice to people in life, stating “Follow your dreams and keep squeezing the pips!”.
Ian Lawson's journey is one of continuous growth, dedication, and compassion. His impact on Shropshire Homes, his community, and the world at large stands as a testament to the profound influence one individual can have when they combine their skills, passion, and generosity. From Shropshire Homes’ perspective, Ian always gets involved with charity events, bringing a team to Dulcie’s quiz and auction that was held last year, and is a true asset to the company!