Blazing a trail for women in construction
7/3/19: Construction has a male bias which we want to change: TClarke aims to create genuine opportunities for women in our business and support their careers long term, so that they can serve as role models for others.
Emma Nichols – South West
Recently I have been installing steel conduit, trunking and ladder racking while working at significant heights. This work was extremely labour intensive, and it was followed by installing pvc cable within that containment.
I have worked for TClarke for two and a half years and I am an Electrical Apprentice. I came from work in a school environment and went straight onto the 22 storey Beckley Point project in Plymouth. I am now working on the Box in Plymouth.
Construction is still a predominently male environment, but the support I’ve had from TClarke people – male and female – has been so positive and I’ve really enjoyed both the classroom and practical side of the qualification. Recently I have been installing steel conduit, trunking and ladder racking, while working at significant heights. This work was extremely labour intensive, and it was followed by installing pvc cable within that containment.
I am passionate about the industry and an advocate both for women in construction and for young people entering the industry. Alongside TClarke and other leading construction companies, I have attended various events to promote the industry.
At this stage of my learning, I am being considered to start a Level 4 qualification within the industry of Testing and Inspection. TClarke is supporting me fully in this ambition.
There are so many aspects of the job – the teamwork, the technical challenge and the practical engineering challenges that I enjoy – so I am delighted with the choice I made to switch career. I’ve been very lucky to be at TClarke, because the support you get here, the quality of the projects and the standards that people have here, are all exemplary.
Tammie Gorrian – Customer Support Team Leader – Scotland
I am now the Customer Support Team Leader for Scotland and enjoy every minute of encouraging my own team to learn new skills and grow in their careers.
TClarke has supported me in the growth of my career, and in my life outside of work. I started working for TClarke when I was 18, nearly 11 years ago. Throughout my time I’ve learned amazing skills and progressed in my career with the support of many colleagues within our organisation. I have gained qualifications in Customer Service, Business Administration and Principles of Team Leading. I am now the Customer Support Team Leader for Scotland and enjoy every minute of encouraging my own team to learn new skills and grow in their careers. I’m excited about my future in TClarke and being part of the ongoing strength and success of this fantastic business.
Chloe Paterson – Customer Support Engineer – Scotland
My last year has been my best, I got the opportunity to become a Customer Support Engineer that I jumped at, I became a Gas registered engineer, and I also won the 3rd Year SNIPEF Apprentice Of The Year Award.
I started my journey with TClarke working in the office, as a Customer Support Administrator. After a while it came to my attention that they were looking for apprentices and I applied as I have always wanted to be a plumber, but didn’t think I’d be taken on as I was constantly knocked back every time I had tried with other companies. My luck finally changed when this great, well known company within the construction industry took me on!
During three years of my apprenticeship, I was working on different housing developments, some of which went on to win big NHBC awards. I learned so many new skills and gained knowledge of the trade. My last year has been my best; I got the opportunity to become a Customer Support engineer that I jumped at, I became a Gas Registered Engineer, and I also won the 3rd Year SNIPEF Apprentice Of The Year Award. My goal is to carry on being a Customer Support Engineer and possibly even work my way up to becoming management one day. I want to thank TClarke for giving me a chance to get my foot in the construction industry.