For our next edition of our Homegrown Heroes series, we spoke to Lee Trigg, a Multi Trade Operative (Carpenter) at Plymouth Community Homes (PCH).
Lee joined PCH 12 years ago as a permanent Neighbourhood Ranger where he worked in the community and undertook a number of courses including IOSH Working Safely, Hedge trimming and an NVQ Level 2 in Cleaning.
He later applied for the Handyperson role within PCH and was successful upon interview. Due to the varied nature of this role, he discovered a passion for carpentry and approached the Learning and Development team at PCH in the hope of gaining a qualification in this area.
The Learning and Development team supported Lee to undertake a NVQ Level 2 in Wood Occupations with Greenlight Training which he began in 2022, completing this qualification alongside his existing role as a Handyperson.
In April 2024 he was successful upon interview for a secondment in the Voids Team as a Multi-Trade Operative (Carpenter) which became permanent in September 2024.
Lee greatly enjoys his new position as a Multi-Trade Operative and is grateful for the support he has received at PCH.
Lee said: “PCH has really helped me with my career journey, and I wouldn’t have been able to have done this on my own. I am proud of myself, as I have always wanted to improve myself and my career, and I am grateful for all that I have achieved.
“It has been a long journey, but throughout the journey I have been supported by many PCH staff, including Danielle Houston and Andy Lamerton and I am so grateful to them.
“I would recommend PCH as it is a good company to work for, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the right people who work there. I am always supported throughout any personal issues that I face, and if I am having a bad day, I always know that there will be someone there to talk to.”
Lee’s manager is delighted that he has secured a full-time position and looks forward to continuing to support him in his journey at PCH.
Martin Benney, Voids Repair Supervisor at PCH, said: “Lee has been a prime example of someone who has developed their skills and career whilst working for PCH.
“I first encountered Lee when he started working for PCH as a Ranger approximately 12 years ago. He was a valuable asset to the Environmental Services Team, and I would see him now and again on a void property clearing or cleaning the property. He was hard working, conscious, reliable, and very good at whatever he was asked to do.
“Our paths then crossed several times during Lee’s role as a Handyperson, and I know he excelled in this role and would always do a lot more than what the job role expected. Lee then set his sights on becoming a Carpenter at PCH, with the help of the Learning and Development Team and his then Line Manager Andy Lamerton and he started his NVQ in Carpentry.
“When Lee became a qualified Carpenter, he still was employed as a Handyperson. It was several months after that a secondment opportunity came up on the Voids Team for a Carpenter. Lee applied for this position and was successful, and this then became a full-time role which Lee was also successful in securing.
“Lee has shown determination, great belief in his own ability and skills has become an essential and valuable part of the Void Team.”
