Kim – Trainee Finisher

Kim came across Women into Construction’s website when researching how to enter the construction industry online. She reached out to WiC’s Cambridgeshire Project Manager, Shelley Lawrence, in April 2022 for further support.

Shelley provided 1-2-1 advice and guidance and created an action plan of support for Kim, who was initially interested in becoming a Traffic Marshall. WiC worked with their training partners Clarion Futures to arrange access to training so Kim could gain her CSCS Card and Traffic Marshall ticket, which she passed in the summer of 2022. With these tickets in place, WiC reached out to Lovell to arrange a practical, hands-on work experience placement for Kim, so she could experience working on-site, shadowing the production team and spending some time with the current Traffic Marshall.

WiC met with Lovell’s Regional Partnerships Director, Sasha Bainbridge, Contracts Manager, Phil Tipping and Kim to make introductions and help set goals for the placement. In addition, WiC covered the cost of boots and Kim’s travel expenses so that she could gain experience without cost to herself, and WiC also provided an activity pack to guide her through her placement.

Speaking about her work placement with Lovell, Kim said this experience was an “Absolutely perfect match for me after not knowing what I wanted to do. Lovell helped me experience different roles and took the time to match my qualities to a role that suited me. WiC were brilliant in organising everything.”

Phil Tipping, Contracts Manager for Lovell, added, “Kim was a fantastic addition to the team, extremely proactive, wanting to learn at every opportunity and very well organised in setting objectives and achieving them. It was a pleasure to have Kim on site and very rewarding to see Kim grow her understanding, gain knowledge and learn new skills.”

Following her successful placement, Kim interviewed for and was offered a role as a Trainee Finisher with the site team at Lovell.

Shelley Lawrence, who supported Kim from WiC, says, “Kim took this opportunity with both hands and went for it! We are so pleased that she enjoyed her work experience placement with Lovell and wish her all the very best in her new role with them as a Trainee Finisher. Kim is a fantastic example of the female talent available to the industry that can be accessed by opening up opportunities to career changers through work experience placements.”

Congratulations Kim, we are very proud of you!

For details on current Women into Construction programmes, visit our programmes page.