Leading housing specialists Bramall Construction is celebrating
after securing both awards in the apprentices' categories at
this year's Women in Construction awards.
During the glitzy awards ceremony, apprentice plumber Amy
Eddleston, 19, from Clayton Le Moors in Accrington picked up the
award for Best apprentice/new starter of the year under 25.
Amy worked locally on the multi million pound refurbishment of
properties being carried out by housing association Hyndburn Homes,
and she impressed judges with her enthusiasm and plumbing skills.
In addition, Amanda Lester, 44 from Kirby Lonsdale in Lancaster,
scooped the award for Best apprentice/new starter of the year over
25.
Mum-of-three Amanda has been described as an "ambassador for
women" after successfully completing schemes as a female
plasterer within the South Lakes Decent Homes Programme.
Sara Sutton, Bramall's Health and Safety Co-ordinator was
delighted to have been shortlisted for the award for Personal
Achievement on Site
The annual awards ceremony took place at Mere Golf and Country
Club, Cheshire to honour women's achievements in a
traditionally male-dominated industry.
It took place in the same week as International Women's Day,
which marks a major day of global celebration for the economic,
political and social achievements of women.
Bramall decided to enter the awards to showcase its best female
talent and encourage more women to break the mould and take on
manual roles in the construction industry.
Bramall Construction has already been recognised for providing a
positive working environment for women, after being listed in this
year's Top 50 places Where Women Want to Work league, published
by The Times.
Bramall Construction's Managing Director Dave Prescott said:
"We are very proud of all of our female apprentices and
it's a real credit to the company that we won the first two
awards of the night, winning both apprentice awards.
"We need more female role models like Amy, Amanda and Sara to
encourage women into the construction industry, and they are
proving time and time again that they can do their jobs just as
well as their male counterparts.
"As a company, we pride ourselves on the high number of female
employees we take on. 18% of our workforce is female and we are
thankfully managing to reverse the traditionally sexist image of
the construction trade. Our shortlisted candidates are proof that
we are a supportive company that offers women a number of exciting
career opportunities."
Case Studies:
Amy is currently studying for her Plumbing NVQ Level 3 at
Accrington and Rossendale College. She has taken a keen and active
approach towards her personal development and has undertaken a
number of courses in areas such as Asbestos Awareness and Equality
and Diversity.
"I am delighted with this award," said Amy.
"I am very interested in construction and wanted to prove that
women can do just as good a job as men, if not better."
Apprentice plasterer Amanda Lester joined Bramall Construction in
April 2006 and has since completed her NVQ 2 in plastering.
She said: "I am very pleased and proud to have received this
award."
"I love my work and especially like to see the positive impact
that my work with the decent homes scheme has on tenants'
lives. Working on site can be difficult as a woman, but I hope my
attitude and hands on experience will continue to help me gain the
respect and trust of the team."
Sara Sutton has successfully updated the company's Health and
Safety Management system. She has also worked with the Quality and
Performance Manager to produce an Integrated Management System for
Quality, Health and Safety and Environmental Management.
Sara said: "I am proud of my achievements as despite
experiencing initial scepticism in the early days, based on
traditional stereotypes, I have managed to combat this by building
a rapport with site staff and gaining their respect."
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