I have previously worked in administration roles within the construction industry and have always enjoyed working in construction. My sister owns a plumbing and maintenance company, I worked there for a few years with the out-of-hours team, and although I didn’t carry out anything major like electrical works etc, I did assist the team and found the work they did interesting. After a few years as an assistant I decided that I would learn a skill and qualify in the locksmith trade so that I could work with my sister’s company but also have a qualification. Before even starting I needed a CSCS card (which everyone who works in construction needs).
I went to Skillsmatch, a scheme where the council acts as a broker between local job seekers and employers with job vacancies and they helped me sit my CSCS test (I was the only woman in a group of 12). Although I was nervous, being the only woman made me determined to pass and go on to better things. Skillsmatch contacted me and asked if I would be interested in the telescopic handling course at Eton Manor - I was and I loved it.
While I was learning the different skills, there was a vacancy for an admin role at Eton Manor. I knew I wanted to stay within the construction industry but also wanted to know more about the different machinery and what each of them does!
Having the skills to do both of the different courses is something I am very proud of, but having the opportunity to speak to the different trainees coming to Eton Manor to gain the same qualifications is inspiring. There are people who haven’t worked for years, lads who want a qualification and work their way up and women who just want to get involved with construction but have never had the opportunity.
If I wasn’t looking after Eton Manor, I would definitely be working next door on the Olympic Park, but the team here have their own input in helping the fantastic trainees get the skills they need to help build the greatest Games.
Find out more about training and construction opportunities on the Olympic Park
