Originally trained in art and design, Corynne Griffiths worked in a range of jobs before switching careers into the construction industry in 2006
Job spotlight: Corynne Griffiths
Independent quality controller, Persimmon Homes Midlands
Why did you swap career path? How have you found life in construction?
“There are so many good opportunities to build a rewarding career in this field.
I saw a chance to combine my design and analytical skills to develop an exciting new profession. I started on a Construction Management degree and then progressed onto an NHBC training programme.
“At times it wasn’t easy to get taken seriously, as a woman trying to find a job in construction, and it took a little while to gain the respect of some male colleagues, but once I had proven myself capable and hard-working I became fully accepted as one of the team.
“Securing this role with Persimmon was the perfect post for me. I really enjoy the job, being out on site and working with site managers and contractors.
“I have a daughter with a sensory disability and Persimmon has been amazingly supportive with flexible working to enable me to take her to therapy appointments. They understand that people genuinely need to balance work and home to deliver the best for the company and its customers, so I cannot speak highly enough of them as an employer.
What do you find challenging and rewarding about your job?
Mine is a relatively new role within the site management team. Our focus is on getting things right, from the ground up. That is never an easy task when you consider every property is actually a hand-built product, crafted by a small army of bricklayers, carpenters, plasterers, electricians, plumbers and roofers.
We meet challenges every day – from weather setbacks to the pandemic working restrictions – but there is a real sense of satisfaction every time we sign off a property ready to be handed over to its new owner.
What would you say to any women considering construction as a career?
I don’t think there is enough awareness of the wide variety of jobs there are within the construction industry, both for people starting out or those looking to retrain.
This is a great sector to build a rewarding and sustainable career and I would love to see more women in construction.
