Chestnut Homes is highlighting the its commitment to ongoing learning, professional development and career progression.
Across the business, colleagues are balancing demanding roles with additional study to strengthen their skills, increase confidence and open pathways towards future leadership positions.
The company supports this through offering study time, flexible learning arrangements and encouragement from senior teams.
Among them is Lewis Munson (pictured), a quantity surveyor who joined Chestnut Homes in August 2023 and is currently completing a five-year part-time BSc in Quantity Surveying through the University College of Estate Management (UCEM).
Alongside managing cost control of eight developments, subcontractor relationships and estimating responsibilities, Munson balances studying with raising two children. Nevertheless, he believes his qualification will support progression into senior leadership roles in the future, alongside opportunities to pursue chartership.
He said: “Working and studying at the same time is challenging. It often means early mornings, late nights and long weekends, especially whilst balancing family life. However, learning whilst working is the best route because the two go hand in hand. The experience gained in a role helps make studying easier and vice versa.
“The support I’ve received from Chestnut Homes has been essential. There is a wealth of knowledge throughout the business and senior management have always been supportive when needed, including allowing me to study during work where possible.”
Also developing their careers through further education are finance team members Marc Cucksey, financial accountant, and Imogen Towers, assistant accountant, who are both studying towards Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualifications through BPP University.
Cucksey returned to studying after a 14-year break following completion of his Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification. He currently receives one day of study leave each week to support his qualification.
Towers is undertaking a Level 7 apprenticeship, combines weekly online learning with additional revision around work and personal commitments, and hopes to complete her qualification by summer 2028.
She said: “Since leaving school, I have always chosen apprenticeships because I think they are one of the best ways to gain further education alongside practical experience.
“Compared to previous workplaces, Chestnut Homes has supported me so much, which has made the whole experience of studying whilst working easier. They want to give employees opportunities wherever possible and genuinely care about their development.”
The qualifications being undertaken across the business cover areas including quantity surveying and accountancy, supporting employees to strengthen specialist knowledge, improve confidence and progress in their chosen careers.
Chestnut Homes continues to invest in training and development opportunities across the business, helping employees build long-term careers and work towards future ambitions, from management positions to directorship roles.
David Newton, managing director at Chestnut Homes, said: “Supporting colleagues in their personal and professional development is extremely important to us. We’re proud to encourage learning at every stage of a career and provide opportunities for employees to continue progressing alongside their roles.
“It’s fantastic to see colleagues across different departments showing such dedication to their development and future ambitions. We are very proud to have a number of staff who have joined us on the ‘bottom rung’ and progressed to senior positions with the company.”
