A young woman forging a successful career in the construction industry is encouraging others in Coalville to follow in her footsteps as Women in Construction Week gets underway.
Emily Skinner, 21, is a Trainee Site Assistant at Redrow Midlands and currently works at popular development Hugglescote Grange on Grange Road.
Her career with the housebuilder began in September 2022, after she successfully applied to its sponsored degree programme.
Emily said: “I initially wanted to work in land and planning. When considering my options in sixth form, I applied for urban planning degrees through Ucas and also for the sponsored degree programme with Redrow. I was delighted when I was accepted onto Redrow’s programme at Liverpool John Moores University.
“When I joined, I worked on site for six months as part of my apprenticeship. This experience completely opened my eyes to the sector; I realised how much I enjoyed the construction side of the industry. After this, I sought to shift my focus from land and planning to site management.”
Emily has now completed Redrow’s sponsored degree programme, earning a BSc in construction management at just 21 while working full time.
“Balancing my degree while working full time was by no means an easy task, but the commitment was well worth it as my degree was paid for,” Emily said.
“I’ve gained a degree, three years of real work experience and I’ve managed to save for a house deposit – all without student debt!”
In her current role as Trainee Site Assistant, Emily supports the site team by monitoring health and safety, inspecting the quality of plots, coordinating trades and materials, and supporting customers who have recently moved into their new homes.
She finds it particularly rewarding to watch developments grow from start to finish.
Emily said: “I find it satisfying watching our street scenes come to life, especially when you have seen the very beginning of a project. Seeing a field full of groundworkers turn into a street full of families who all smile and wave when they see you walking about is brilliant.”
Emily hopes the next five years will see more women joining her on site, both in management roles and in the trades.
“In five years’ time, I would love to see myself having more female co-workers,” she said. “My advice to other women or girls considering a career in construction is not be fooled into thinking these jobs are only for boys!
“The industry offers great salaries, incredible benefits and fantastic opportunities to grow. Apprenticeships and sponsored degree schemes are worth their weight in gold. I'd highly recommend them for anyone who wants to work in the industry, and especially for Redrow!”
Elaine Cartwright, Head of Sales at Redrow Midlands, said: “Emily Skinner is just one of many women who have begun their careers at Redrow and have gone on to flourish – and we’re incredibly proud to be part of her journey.
“As part of our commitment to developing and inspiring the next generation of housebuilders, we are dedicated to championing women across all areas of the business and ensuring they have the opportunities, support and confidence to build long and successful careers in construction.
“For young girls who are thinking about what their next step may be, an apprenticeship or sponsored degree programme is a fantastic route into the industry. You’ll earn a qualification, develop vital new skills and be paid along the way.
“If you’re considering a future with Redrow, we encourage you to get in touch today and discover the opportunities available.”
Just a mile from the heart of the peaceful village of Coalville and within easy reach of Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Birmingham, the homes at Hugglescote Grange are ideally placed for commuters and growing families. The development offers a ‘good’ Ofsted-rated primary school just minutes away, with new schools planned within the wider development.
For more information about Hugglescote Grange, please call 01530 614408 or visit www.redrow.co.uk/new-homes/devr082719-hugglescote-grange-coalville/.