Training & Development
Creating an environment for our people to develop and maximise their potential
Novus Property Solutions has been focused on training for over 75-years with a direct employment ethic. We have a long-standing history of employment and training of the long-term unemployed and continuous flow of apprentices and trainees in the business, training over 2,500 in the past 60-years. Working collaboratively with a range of partners and stakeholders to provide training and employment opportunities we support local schools, providing work experience, mentoring, budding and ultimately employment.
Novus Key Training Benefits
- Award winning training practices
- Creating opportunities beyond contract requirements
- Focus on local jobs for local people
- Dedicated Training Department
- Ongoing development of all our people
- Creating jobs within our local supply chain
Key Training Facts
- Over 100 apprentices employed by Novus
- 25% more training per person than the industry average
- Over £1,000,000 spent on training and developing our people each year
Our commitment to the development and training of our people has been recognised over the years and we were one of the first construction companies to attain Investors in People accreditation in the 1990’s.
Today, our training policies and strategies are used as a demonstration project by The Housing Forum.
Examples of this type of training Novus offer are:
- MBA’s
- Degree Courses
- HNC’s
- Professional Body (RICS, MIOB, ACA)
- Professional Practice (Prince2 Practices & Foundation)
Leadership & Development
We ensure that those responsible for managing and leading our people at all levels are provided with the development they need to be effective in their roles and are operating in a way which is aligned to our values.
We are prepared to invest in our employees and they each have a real chance to progress.
We aim to equip our managers and leaders at every level with the skills and knowledge they need to be effective in their roles, whether they are in a ‘first line’ supervisory role or leading a business unit or function.
Our ‘Leading the Novus Way’ framework helps people to progress through the organisation.
Spotlight on Development
Trainee Quantity Surveyor Passes Course with Flying Colours
As part of our commitment to nurture future talent in our industry, we are proud to see the promotion of Niall Vickers from Trainee Quantity Surveyor to Assistant Quantity Surveyor following the completion of his qualifications.
Achieving a Merit in his HNC Construction and the Built Environment course from Vision West Nottinghamshire College, Niall is now progressing his role, taking on more responsibility in assisting our teams with the delivery of key projects.
The part-time two-year course covered a wide range of topics, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), construction practice and management and construction technology – with a focus on the design, manufacturing and installation of housing using off-site methods.
Since joining Novus in October 2018, Niall has worked on several projects such as Bromford reroofing and roof conversions, and the South Derbyshire District Council suite of contracts – including kitchens and bathrooms, reroofing, responsive maintenance, period electrical testing, public building and fire works.
Becoming a Novus Apprentice
At Novus we pride ourselves on recruiting the highest calibre of apprentice and trainees.
We are looking for individuals that are self-motivated and committed to working hard to achieve their goals.
As a Novus Apprentice you will:
- Get a fantastic introduction to working in construction
- Receive local on-site experience combined with further learning at a training centre or college.
- Earn money as you learn
- Become a master of your trade
- Gain academic qualification as you train
Meet Our Apprentices Mike, Finley, and Dan
Development Success Stories
Terrie Brett - Contract Liasion Manager
When did you start at Novus and what position were you in?
About 15 years ago as an administrator for the then Nottingham Office
How did Novus support you to get you where you are today?
I started at Novus at a young age and felt that they supported and guided me to develop a customer service department. I learned to listen to other people as well as myself.
Who inspires you and why?
Our management team inspires me to stretch my capabilities and try to achieve as much as possible as they came from site level as well.
What’s your favourite memory of working for Novus?
Carrying out one of my first contract presentations (to win work) and finding out we had won the contract.
Where would you like to go in the future?
Just keep progressing and growing the team to offer more customer support.
If you could give one bit of advice to someone who wants to be successful at Novus what would it be?
You need to be flexible and amenable and always go that one step further to help your colleagues/clients/managers. A saying that we have is “people work with people”, clients renew their contracts with us as they like working with us as people.
Liam Hebblethwaite - Quantity Surveyor
When did you start at Novus and what position were you in?
I began my employment with Novus in June 2013 and was originally brought in as an office admin to generally help out with the day to day administration jobs for Whitbread Maintenance and any other bits and bobs for the refurbishment side.
What do you do at Novus today?
Today I am a Quantity Surveyor working on the Whitbread Refurbishment programme which provides me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge within the work that gets carried out onsite and also provides me with the flexibility to travel around the country to look at ongoing sites and meet with clients to further my development.
How did Novus support you to get you where you are today?
Novus have provided much support in helping me to get to the position that I am today. As they saw potential in my ability they offered me the chance to go college part time once a week to further my skills and knowledge within the industry. Novus kindly insisted that they would pay for my education and also provide me with expenses to cover the cost of travelling and provided me with all the equipment that was required. – Because of this opportunity it has broadened the knowledge I have within the industry enabling me to progress further within my role as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor.
Who inspires you and why?
Many people inspire me and help me better myself day in and day out however if there was one person who I would have to identify as my inspiration it would be my mother. Her work ethic, quality of work and determination to do the best job possible inspire me to strive on and achieve further within the business. When I first started working for Novus I was struggling to settle into the role and wasn’t giving 100% so my mother took me outside the office and explained to me how lucky I am to be given the opportunity that I have and that I needed to show a massive improvement in my quality of work and since that conversation I do whatever it takes to ensure my responsibilities are taken care of to the best of my ability. If it wasn’t for that short conversation I don’t believe I would be in the position I am now.
What’s your favourite memory of working for Novus?
My favourite memory of working for Novus would probably be when I was first handed over the Reactive Maintenance contracts as it was a sense of achievement and responsibility that I had never experienced before.
Where would you like to go in the future?
In the future I would like to see myself in a more senior role within the business. Of course the aim for most employees would be to become a director for the business and I also share that same aim however you can only take each day as it comes.
If you could give one bit of advice to someone who wants to be successful at Novus what would it be?
My advice would be to show that you are willing and determined to get the best for the company and to enhance your knowledge for not only your own benefit but to the company’s strengths. Once you show the determination and ability to drive the company forward many more doors open within the business to provide you with new opportunities.
James Riley - Trainee QS
When did you start working for Novus and what position were you in?
I Started working for Novus in October 2013 as a 1st-year Apprentice Painter and Decorator.
What do you do at Novus today?
I’ve recently started as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor. I’ve recently started college at FutureSkills in Salford Quays studying Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations.
How did Novus support you to get where you are today?
Novus have supported me by helping me push myself and progress with my career. I never thought that this is what I would end up doing when I first started my apprenticeship with Novus five years ago, but I am really grateful for the opportunity they have given me to go that extra mile.
Who inspires you and why?
It would be extremely difficult to pick one person in my life that has ultimately inspired me to be the person I am today and what I would like to be in the future.
However, within the company my operations manager Mike Demattia is definitely a person I look up to and respect for his hard work and dedication that he has given and continues to give to the company.
What’s your favourite memory of working for Novus?
I think that my favourite memory of working for Novus would have to be the trip to Holland for the Uniep event. I gained a great sense of achievement after painting the school for autistic children.
It was also interesting to visit the AkzoNoble factory where we were taught about the science of colour and paint, whilst also testing new products.
It was a privilege to attend the event. I don’t think many other companies would go as far to provide new opportunities for their employees as Novus do.
Where would you like to go in the future?
I’m currently enjoying what I do on a day to day basis. However, i am looking to further my career in the future.
Due to the vast opportunities, Novus has to offer I am yet to decide the exact path I want to take, other than the fact I am certain it will be with Novus. I am always grateful for any new courses, training and opportunities that come my way and always will be.
If you could give one bit of information to someone who wants to be successful at Novus what would it be?
To be successful at Novus I believe you need to put your all into everything you do on a daily basis.
Maintaining high standards of work at all times. Be friendly and respectful to both clients and colleagues. Apply basic common sense and things you have learnt throughout your career.
But most of all, do whatever you can to go that extra mile. Nobody is perfect, but if you try your hardest to be successful, I’m sure that your efforts will be recognised.
James Philips - Contracts Manager
When did you start at Novus and what position were you in?I started on the company in the year 2004 as an apprentice painter and decorator.
I am now a Contracts Manager
Novus have supported me throughout my career by recognising my potential and providing me the opportunity and training needed to progress the way I wanted to within the company.
The company Managing Directors inspire me because they too started as trainees in the company and with hard work were able to progress and succeed.
My favourite memory to date was winning the company apprentice of the year, and also winning the prize of being the best apprentice in the country.Where would you like to go in the future?
I would like to aim for a senior management or directory role.If you could give one bit of advice to someone who wants to be successful at Novus what would it be?
I would advise someone to persevere when times are busy and always work hard and give your best. Listen to your peers and always be open to a challenge.
Craig Martin - Assistant Estimator
When did you start at Novus and what position were you in?
I started as an apprentice painter in Oct 2007 working for the Burton office. I then transferred to Stoke painting after 6 months.
I became a full time painter for a few years after my apprenticeship and was a site supervisor for a year or so after that.
What do you do at Novus today?
I am currently a trainee estimator and have been for the past year.
How did Novus support you to get you where you are today?
Novus supported me from day one. They transferred me within 6 months to accommodate for my needs. Arranged for me to attend college to gain my NVQ 3 in painting. Took me off site to train in house and better my skills. Arranged for me to enter painting competitions to see how I would fend against other trades people. Then after a couple of years’ experience on site I applied to take part in their scholarship programme. Since then I became a site supervisor and got a lot of relevant training. Started to attend days and then weeks in an office environment which finally led to me starting as a trainee estimator. I am now completing my HNC in construction and plan to start my quantity surveying degree in Sept 2016.
Who inspires you and why?
If I’m honest I am inspired by my father and grandfather. They have always been hard workers and that has become instilled in me. If you want something then go get it, but work for it.
What’s your favourite memory of working for Novus?
Personally I have loads. I always enjoyed the thrill of working from cherry pickers, cradles and scaffolding as they take you high and made each job unique. A lot of this work took place in Manchester and I can remember being above the buildings and looking across the city skyline.
More recently I have been excited by all of the new skills I am learning and this year has been a memorable one. Winning a job that I helped price or measure has become my new thrill.
The co-workers and staff have contributed to all of the good memories I have whilst working with Novus.
Where would you like to go in the future?
I would love to continue on my path with Novus. As the company continues to grow I would like to grow with it. The next step for me is to gain experience as an estimator. But in the future I would like to be a key part of the company. I would like to be able to win valuable work and help direct the company towards profitable work.
If you could give one bit of advice to someone who wants to be successful at Novus what would it be?
I would say “if you work hard you will get noticed, just be honest and be yourself”.
Working at Novus Property Solutions
At Novus our people are fundamental. They represent the business on a daily basis, and with their help, passion, work ethic and support, we continue to achieve profitable long-term growth to operate as a leading UK home builder
