Amber – Labourer
After completing her Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery, Amber was struggling to know where to find opportunities within the construction industry. Her work coach at the DWP referred her to Women into Construction (WiC) to see how WiC could further support her.
In January 2020, Amber completed a 4-week WiC employment programme, in partnership with the Home Builders Federation. Amber completed this gaining her Level 1 Health & Safety, CSCS card, CPCS card, Emergency First Aid, DAMS and ADT licence and undertook work experience with Kier Living. WIC was in the process of arranging an apprenticeship for her when the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown began and the apprenticeship was placed on hold.
WiC continued to support Amber through lockdown and when the chance for a virtual work experience with HS2 Ltd came up, WIC PM, Steph Sheppard, selected Amber to take part as she knew that exposure to the largest infrastructure project in Europe would open up lots of possibilities for Amber.
On completing this programme, WiC supported Amber in applying for jobs through HS2’s supply chain and introduced her to WiC members, Carmichael UK, one of the recruitment agencies that supply labour for this project.
After several applications, interviews and aptitude tests, Carmichael have placed Amber as a labourer/store person at Balfour Beatty’s HS2 Kingsbury site. WiC will continue to support Amber on her journey and assist in her progression through the industry.
Amber says ‘All of these opportunities wouldn’t have been possible, and these connections wouldn’t have been made if it wasn’t for Steph and WiC. She has always supported and believed in me and never gave up on me. Thank you so much. Now is my time to shine’.
Update: With support from Carmichael and WiC, Amber is now working with RSK Group as a full-time Operative.
Commenting on her new role, Amber told us;
“Working with WiC gave me many opportunities to improve myself, develop my skills and gain a number of qualifications in an industry I’ve always wanted to be part of. WiC gave me the opportunity to follow my dream career! I would also like to give special thanks to Carmicheal for their brilliant help (again!) in helping me get my full time role with RSK Group. If it wasn’t for Carmichael giving me the opportunity to show my worth I wouldn’t be where I am now. So thank you once again to WiC and Carmichael for all their support and brilliant opportunities!”
