We believe in keeping our promises and our People Promise is a big one! We promise to embed equality into every aspect of our business and that’s why for the first time ever, we recruited a female-only group of trades trainees.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, we caught up with two of the group to find out about their experiences with us so far and we talked to their mentors. Here’s what they told us:
“I’ve been interested in a career in trades since I started helping out my dad, who is a multi-skilled electrician. Now this work experience is the next step because it’s giving me an idea of what trade I’d like to do eventually.
“My mentor, Chris, has been great – he’s a good teacher and I’ve learned a lot from him, such as how to replace a diaphragm to inlet valve on a toilet. I’m getting on well with customers and people I’ve met at Bron Afon have been kind and friendly.
“Working in trades, I believe it’s about knowledge, not gender. We are all human, so it doesn’t matter what gender you are.”
Chris said: “Our trainee has been working with me for three weeks. She is polite, well mannered, gets stuck in and is taking in everything I am teaching her. She’s also been asking lots of questions, which is great.”
“Being in trades like carpentry, plumbing and mechanics runs in my family and I was always helping them out when I was younger. I tried bricklaying but then decided carpentry is what I really wanted to do.
“This training has given me the chance get involved and learn about fitting kitchens and putting up fencing. I love it! I enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work. I help out and I’m learning from Ben and Gary in the team. They have taught me how to mitre on a skirting board, which is one of the hardest cuts you can do in carpentry.
“Everyone at Bron Afon has been very nice and Gareth, my mentor, has been great. I feel listened to.
“My family and friends are glad that I’m happy doing this kind of work. Trades is a male dominated area and more women should definitely get into it but it doesn’t matter what gender you are – if you want to do it, do it! Educate yourself and let people educate you. It can be hard but that’s all part of your learning.”
Gareth said, “Our trainee is really hard working, keen to learn and have a go. The planned maintenance team have made her feel welcome and comfortable, so she gets on with it. She is part of the team.”
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