Inspiring Business by Sharing Success

‘No career is off limits’ - the female bricklayer encouraging girls to make the most of International Women’s Day and National Apprenticeship Week

‘No career is off limits’ - the female bricklayer encouraging girls to make the most of International Women’s Day and National Apprenticeship Week

A female bricklaying apprentice from Leicester is highlighting the career options available to other girls in readiness for this year’s International Women’s Day (8th March) which happens to fall within National Apprenticeship Week (5th to 9th March).

Megan Kenney, 18, works as a bricklayer at developer Westleigh’s landmark Wolsey Island development in the city. She is currently in her second year of a level two apprenticeship in bricklaying at Leicester College. She spends one week per month in college and the rest of the time out on site.

She was inspired by a career in construction by her father and brother who are both also bricklayers.

Megan believes too many young women are put off the idea of a career in construction by the misconception that it is a ‘man’s job’.

She said:

“I’d recommend a construction apprenticeship to any girls who are considering it. It really isn’t as hard as you think. I haven’t found that being a girl has made any difference – we’re all just a big team here."

“Bricklaying is not just a man’s job any more, it really is accessible to girls as a career option if they want it."

“The apprenticeship is a great opportunity to get onto a site, get some experience and what we do on site fits in nicely with what we’re learning at college. For me personally it’s also great to be working with my dad and my brother as a little family trio. We’re able to talk things through and we know we can fall back on each other when we need help and advice.”

Ian Jones, Managing Director at Westleigh, said:

“We hope Megan’s example will inspire other women to consider a career in construction and in particular a trade apprenticeship."

“We are very proud of our workforce and as gold standard Investors in People business we are committed to leading the way in terms of gender parity and challenging stereotypes."

“We’re always keen to hear from enthusiastic and aspirational people who want to start a career in construction, so don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about our apprenticeship programme.”

Westleigh, which builds new homes for affordable rent and private purchase across the Midlands and into Yorkshire, offers apprenticeships in groundwork, bricklaying and joinery.

The firm recruits an annual intake of apprentices each September and is encouraging prospective apprentices to start thinking about their next career steps now. The deadline for applications is 11th March.


< Back