Sarah explores construction opportunities through Women into Construction partnership
Sarah attended the WiC Information Day in Bristol, in partnership with The Guinness Partnership and The Hill Group, to learn about the opportunities within the construction industry, particularly to complement her plumbing studies and subsequently signed up for the programme.
Sarah has had a variety of experiences - from drama at university to working in marketing. She had always enjoyed practical/hands-on activities and at one point undertook a City & Guilds in Painting & Decorating. During lockdown, she had a big re-think of her career and started a three-year Plumbing Studies Level 2 & NVQ Level 2 course, alongside a part-time job in marketing and operational delivery. For her, one of the biggest challenges is to ensure that whatever she does is financially viable with a household and children to support.
Sarah attended the WiC Information Day in Bristol, in partnership with The Guinness Partnership and The Hill Group, to learn about the opportunities within the construction industry, particularly to complement her plumbing studies and subsequently signed up for the programme.
I wanted to be more useful, practical, active and resilient to possible future challenges. My only expectation really was to complete some work experience. I was open to what I might feel about it, and what it might inspire me to do, once I'd completed it.
The programme started with a two week training course with The Restore Trust. Due to Sarah’s work
and home commitments, she was able to carry out the study online towards Level 1 Health and Safety
and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). She then flew through the (in person) tests in the
third week of the programme and gained her CSCS card. She also attended a ‘Speed Interview’ session
where the women had a series of short interviews with potential employers, all of whom were linked
with The Hill Group (McArthur’s Yard site) or The Guinness Partnership thus gaining interview
experience.
As a result of the speed interviews, Sarah was offered work experience with JS Wright, a plumbing
subcontractor on the Hill Group McArthur’s Yard site in Bristol. She loved the placement and learnt a lot.
Whilst JS Wright were keen to offer her a job, Sarah has decided she needs to finish her plumbing
studies before moving into this career – but is keeping in touch with her colleagues at JS Wright for
additional experience during her studies and hopefully a job for when she finishes.
