News
Wednesday 8th March 2023

South Wales apprentice speaks about women in construction on IWD 2023

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, as well as marking a call to action for accelerating women’s equality

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We celebrate International Women’s Day 2023

We are proud to recognise this as a day to celebrate the achievements made by women throughout history and its continued mission for gender equality.

As part of celebrating IWD, we have interviewed Honey Jenkins, one of Taylor Wimpey South Wales bricklaying apprentices on what it’s like to work in the construction sector. 

What made you want to work in the construction sector? 

I’ve always been around people working in construction. My father runs his own construction company, so I naturally became interested while growing up around a family of handymen. I felt connected to the idea of becoming my own independent handywoman.

Describe a day in the life of a bricklaying apprentice here at Taylor Wimpey?

Being a bricklaying apprentice is great, as we get to try our hands at a variety of different skill sets. For example, we have been practising our skills by building cavity walling and decorative work. We have also had some on-site experience with building garden walls, as well as some on-site labour to help understand the planning process when building the different plots. 

 
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How do you influence your peers and others around you?

It’s great being one of the few female bricklayer apprentices at Taylor Wimpey South Wales, as it’s not typically a trade that women are associated with. Personally, I think everyone influences and inspires each other to do better every day. We are all very supportive and help each other to solve problems. There is great team spirit on the apprentice compound. 

Are there any females that you see as a role model in your life? 

There are a few female role models in my life, the main one being my mum. She shows me how to be strong and not let others affect me and the way I see myself and the world. Without the support of my mum, I would have most definitely struggled going to any job without her positivity. She helps and guides me to handle all situations that life can throw at me. 

What is your message for this year’s International Women’s Day?

Never give up on your dreams. Life can throw up challenges and struggles along the way, but the important part is doing the best for yourself. I believe that being a woman today, we have the same chances and opportunities as everyone else.