AN EX-marine's chance encounter at a job fair has turned into a a new career.

Greig Mills, a 29-year-old from Tiverton, is now on track to become a site manager for Barratt Developments as part of the Trainee Assistant Site Manager Programme for the Forces Community.

Mr Mills signed up for the marines after leaving college. After six and a half years in the forces, he decided it was time for a change.

He said: "I went to one of the Career Transition Partnership jobs fairs in Bristol last year and was interested in the trainee programme and development opportunities Barratt was offering.

"I asked to spend time on site while on annual leave, which gave me an insight into the job role. They offered to keep me on afterwards and put me through the Trainee Assistant Site Manager Programme.”

Mr Mills started his training with the company in September, taking part in a number of courses through the Barratt Training Academy and started working on site earlier this year.

He added: "I’ve been learning a lot working with an experienced construction department.

"I think there are a lot of transferable skills going from the marines to the job of a site manager. Leadership, management and communication play a key role.”

Paul Moran, managing director of Barratt Homes in Exeter, said: "We find former armed service personnel have strong leadership and management skills, as well as an ability to think outside the box, work under pressure and maintain the very highest of standards. "They’re all the attributes that make a top site or project manager.

"This isn’t just a short-term opportunity either. We really do see our site managers and project managers of the future on this programme and there will be plenty of opportunities for those who are passionate and ambitious to have a very successful career with Barratt.”

Mr Mills has settled back into civilian life at the Rougemont Park development, the ex-marine now hopes to progress through the ranks and become a a site manager in the next few years.