News: International Women’s Day 2021 — Meet former construction apprentice Jess, who worked on City Hub
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, we've spoken to former Construction apprentice Jess, who worked on the City Hub project and is an advocate for diversity in her industry.
Jess Peet (24) from Clifton, secured a Level 3 NVQ in Construction and the Built Environment at Nottingham College as an apprentice previously, then went on to be a commercial management trainee for Wates Construction, the contractor who built our recently opened City Hub. She talked to us about diversity in the workplace and the importance of fellow women joining her industry.
As a woman working in construction, I hope I can inspire others and show that the industry has no barriers — it is a sector full of possibilities for both men and women.
If you’re an apprentice you always want to prove more, you always what to show more of what you can do, especially going into a traditionally dominated male workplace. The construction industry was known previously known as a ‘male dominant’ environment however, it is continually changing, and more and more women are coming into this industry! It’s a great industry to work in!
— Jess
Jess worked as a Commercial Management Trainee with Wates, and is currently being supported by them to undertake a Chartered Degree Apprenticeship in Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying at Nottingham Trent University.
She was promoted to Assistant Surveyor back in October 2020 with Wates Construction and is still working full-time with a day release for her University studies. Her eventual aim and intention is to be a commercial quantity surveyor.
Whilst working on the City Hub project Jess was responsible for the cost management of key elements of the building as the site workforce, subcontractors and the site cabins and Jess’ role ensured that the build ran as efficiently and effectively as possible.
She told us that she’s really proud of her time working on the project, particularly as it’s now part of her old College and one particular highlight was attending on the day that the City Hub was officially handed over as complete.
Speaking about her employment with our business partner Wates, she said:
My favourite thing about the role is the diversity. Every day is different and presents new and interesting learning opportunities meaning that I leave work feeling extremely fulfilled and start each morning with a sense of eager anticipation about the new experiences ahead. Partly based on my positive experience of an apprenticeship, my younger brother is now set to undertake one with Nottingham College too.
— Jess
Published on:
- 8th March 2021 (12:00 AM)
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