Returning to the organisation where your career began is a special moment. For Operations Surveyor Alex Hodder, that journey has come full circle, bringing years of experience, determination, and personal growth back to the place where it all started.
The journey began in 2015 with Derwentside Homes (which would later go on to become Karbon Homes) as a Multi-Skilled Apprentice. After developing practical skills across a range of trades, Alex moved into an Apprentice Plasterer role in 2017 and completed his apprenticeship in 2020.
When the apprenticeship came to an end and no suitable vacancies were available, it was time to explore new opportunities. Over the following five years, Alex built a wealth of experience across the housing sector, working as a qualified plasterer with Believe Housing, Thirteen Group, and Gentoo.
Alex said: "I found the work challenging and really enjoyed the freedom that came with it. Throughout my career, I continued looking for opportunities to progress and make a change from plastering."
Determined to broaden his career and try something new, Alex applied for a variety of roles over the years before successfully securing their current position as an Operations Surveyor.
The move allowed Alex to build the knowledge and experience gained in the trades while developing new skills in surveying.
"I took the experience I gained from plastering and transferred it into my surveying role. It's a wonderful opportunity and I'm proud to be back with the organisation where I first started my career."
Since returning, Alex has quickly settled into the team and have enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces while building relationships with new colleagues.
A key part of that experience has been the support received from their manager, Nicky Curran.
"Nicky has been supportive from day one, offering sound advice, making me feel very welcome, and introducing me to various members of staff, many of whom I already knew from my time at Derwentside Homes."
"It's a real privilege to work under Nicky and alongside the other surveyors, trade colleagues, and wider teams. Since rejoining, I've really found my feet and everyone has made me feel incredibly welcome."
Watch a full interview with Alex here:
Interested in developing a career with Karbon? Use the link below to find out more.
Registration is now live for Step into Karbon, a new week-long work experience programme designed to help people develop skills in the housing sector, gain insight into the workplace and explore a range of potential career pathways.
Returning to the organisation where your career began is a special moment. For Operations Surveyor Alex Hodder, that journey has come full circle, bringing years of experience, determination, and personal growth back to the place where it all started.
The journey began in 2015 with Derwentside Homes (which would later go on to become Karbon Homes) as a Multi-Skilled Apprentice. After developing practical skills across a range of trades, Alex moved into an Apprentice Plasterer role in 2017 and completed his apprenticeship in 2020.
When the apprenticeship came to an end and no suitable vacancies were available, it was time to explore new opportunities. Over the following five years, Alex built a wealth of experience across the housing sector, working as a qualified plasterer with Believe Housing, Thirteen Group, and Gentoo.
Alex said: "I found the work challenging and really enjoyed the freedom that came with it. Throughout my career, I continued looking for opportunities to progress and make a change from plastering."
Determined to broaden his career and try something new, Alex applied for a variety of roles over the years before successfully securing their current position as an Operations Surveyor.
The move allowed Alex to build the knowledge and experience gained in the trades while developing new skills in surveying.
"I took the experience I gained from plastering and transferred it into my surveying role. It's a wonderful opportunity and I'm proud to be back with the organisation where I first started my career."
Since returning, Alex has quickly settled into the team and have enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces while building relationships with new colleagues.
A key part of that experience has been the support received from their manager, Nicky Curran.
"Nicky has been supportive from day one, offering sound advice, making me feel very welcome, and introducing me to various members of staff, many of whom I already knew from my time at Derwentside Homes."
"It's a real privilege to work under Nicky and alongside the other surveyors, trade colleagues, and wider teams. Since rejoining, I've really found my feet and everyone has made me feel incredibly welcome."
Watch a full interview with Alex here:
Careers at Karbon
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