Martin Ball - Hire Centre Manager

“It is important to get a position with a company you can like and admire and I feel fortunate to have found Portakabin. The opportunities and support allow you to develop at a pace that suits you.”

About Martin

It took me quite a while to work out what I wanted to do with my career. I applied to go to Leeds University after leaving school, but it didn’t work out as planned. I was determined to get a qualification, so I took an HND in Total Quality Management at SalfordUniversity.

I didn't know what I wanted to do with my future, so once my studies were over, I set off to travel and experience life. The travelling took me to Australia, Thailand, Germany, Belgium and Spain. Along the way, I worked as a Quality Technician in a plastics factory, a Project Manager for Rover and Ford Fiesta cars, and in commercial sales and marketing jobs, packaging and more.

A visit to a careers psychologist helped me to realise that I wanted a customer-facing role. I spoke to a friend who was working for Portakabin and liked the sound of what they were doing, so I sent my CV to the local Hire Centre to see if any positions were available.

Progress at Portakabin

I got a call about a week later and after the interview, was offered the opportunity to join the Commercial Trainee Programme.

The training was great and it enabled me to view the entire operation so that I was in a better position, at the end of it, to know what best suited me.

I feel like a different person now. Portakabin is excellent at bringing out the best in its people and offering opportunities that you are not even aware of. I completed my training in less than two years and was then able to apply for the role I wanted.

Now, as the manager of the busy Portakabin Hire Centre in York, I am enjoying the variety of my role. Before coming to Portakabin, I worked to earn money – now, I work because I enjoy the job. The structure here is excellent and within that structure, I feel I can be entirely responsible for my future.