Following International Women’s Day last month, we took the time to speak to some of our female apprentices about their experiences so far as a woman within the construction industry.
Women in trades are still rare with the construction industry historically being predominated by males. However, there is a constant demand for newly qualified plumbers, maintenance engineers, pipe fitters and electricians, and with that, there are employers all across the nation crying out for women plumbers to enable them to diversify their workplace.
At Choice training we place an importance on supporting women in achieving a successful career in the construction industry and are proud that our female apprenticeships are enjoying their chosen career path. Read on to find out what they say about their experiences…
“A lot of the clients really like the fact that more and more women are taking up this role.”
“I became an apprentice in maintenance after starting a job doing just PPMS (planned preventive maintenance) after spending some time working with work colleagues seeing what they were doing and approached my manager. He told me about the building services apprenticeship. I did a presentation and applied and got the apprenticeship.
I feel I'm treated really well within the industry. Some are surprised I'm a woman but are really helpful with helping me learn. A lot of the clients really like the fact that more and more women are taking up this role.”
Kellie Dickson - Apprentice
“I’ve been treated with respect by everyone I work with and they’re always happy to help me out.”
“After dropping out of a college course and completing a different late start course to stay in college, someone suggested a plumbing course to me. Because I still had no idea what I wanted to do I didn’t see any harm doing it even to just stay in college until I was 18. I ended up really enjoying it and was fortunate enough to be offered an apprenticeship with Woodford Heating and Energy. Since starting work with them in 2019 I’ve learnt so much and am well on my way to a brilliant career. I’ve been treated with respect by everyone I work with and they’re always happy to help me out. It's so rewarding being able to work on site and see how your skills have improved as well as see quality work knowing it’s your own work.”
Haiyley Dowler - Level 3 Building Services Craftsperson
“I love working in this field simply because everyday is NEVER the same, you don’t get bored easily, and you're always learning.”
“I joined this industry through WIC (women in construction). They helped me pass my health and safety exam and I obtained a cscs card. I was then given an opportunity to meet up with other construction companies on an open day event. It was aimed to secure work experience within the construction industry. Throughout my work experience program, it helped me get an insight of what I wanted to do if I joined the industry. I chose plumbing because it’s a skill that stays with you forever. Working on site sounded scary but I got on well with the lads and they were very helpful during my apprenticeship. I love working in this field simply because everyday is NEVER the same, you don’t get bored easily, and you're always learning. As a female plumber a lot of men think it’s great and are very respectful.”
Ruby Wengi - Level 3 Building Services Craftsperson
"I wanted to become an apprentice as during school I was struggling really badly with my dyslexia which was mainly affecting my reading and writing skills. I then joined a college plumbing course where during that time I found out that I learnt more when doing practical work and learnt more in a working environment so I decided to look into getting an apprenticeship. I have only ever been to one site which is the site I have worked on for the past three and half years and since day one I have been treated just the same as all the other engineers which has helped me with my learning a lot. I will soon be qualified and hoping to learn a lot more in the coming years as in this job everyday you learn something new."
Rebecca Homden
Level 3 Building Services Engineering Service & Maintenance Engineer
"After working in an office for over 5 years, I felt like I needed a change from staring at a computer screen all day and I fancied something more hands-on. I also wanted to gain a skill which I could use for life, both inside and outside of work, which is when I started looking into apprenticeships in construction.
I enjoy work that challenges my brain such as fault finding and the best part of my job is the people I work with. They have made it really easy for me to transition into a role that has been completely different to what I was used to and an industry that is predominantly men."
Lauren Steel
Level 3 Building Services Engineering Service & Maintenance Engineer
If you're interested in studying for a career in construction contact us to find out more about our Women into construction scholarship or our online course programme.