Employee interview

Hear from Sarah Tarn

“If you’re thinking about a career with NHBC, then go for it. There are so many opportunities waiting for you as soon as you step through that door!”

Name: Sarah Tarn
Job title: Building Inspector
Department: Inspection

: Hi, my name is Sarah Tan. I joined NHBC in December 2019 as a claims coordinator and prior to that worked as a booking clerk for Connell's survey and evaluation for almost eight years.

I started at NHBC as a claims coordinator in December 2019 with the intention of hopefully one day becoming a building inspector or claims investigator.

I then went into a secondment for the first contact complex team. When the trainee BI role came up to which I was delighted to be offered.

I went through a six month training program, which included an NVQ in senior site inspection, all funded by the NHBC before taking my role one and role two assessments and becoming fully qualified.

My current role involves visiting various different building sites each day to carry out inspections on different stages of construction, working alongside builders to ensure compliance with NHBC standards and building regulations and to try to continuously raise the quality of house building.

I'd have to say my highlights or what I deem as my biggest achievement to date was winning the Neil Herries Trainee Building Inspector Of The Year award last June. I was absolutely over the moon.

For Anyone that is interested in joining NHBC, I would say that it is truly a wonderful place to work. I had zero construction knowledge or relevant qualifications prior to joining NHBC and now I'm a qualified role 2 build an inspector. There are so many opportunities for people of all different experiences and backgrounds, and you can truly go as far as you aspire to go.

You will always feel thoroughly supported by your team and managers and NHBC also offers fabulous benefit and reward packages.

What was your background before joining NHBC?: I worked as a surveyor’s booking clerk for 8 years and carer for the elderly before changing career and joining NHBC. I am now a Building Inspector.
What attracted you to NHBC?: My friend recommended NHBC for its opportunities for progression and development. After feeling stuck in my previous job with no options for progression, I decided to try it.
What do you enjoy most about your role?: The never-ending ability to obtain more knowledge. Learning to deal with different situations and adapting myself to meet the needs of those involved. The role as a Building Inspector challenges me every day.
Do you feel supported in your career development?: NHBC have supported me every step of the way and were also there for me during my own personal difficulties when I lost my dad. I honestly couldn’t ask for more!
What do you enjoy most about working at NHBC?: The amazing people. Everyone is willing to help in any way they can and I think that speaks volumes about how people feel about their job and the company they work for.
What would you say to prospective candidates thinking about a career with NHBC?: Go for it! There are so many opportunities waiting for you as soon as you step through that door!