Lisa’s so happy to go with the grain

3:49pm Thursday 11th September 2008

Lisa Kaye is among an increasing number of female joiners carving out a career in what was once a predominantly male profession.

The 33-year-old from Keighley recently secured a joinery apprenticeship with Department of Asset Management propertysolutions, part of the Incommunities group.

Propertysolutions employs more than 80 multi-skilled trade operatives and staff, including CORGI and NICEIC-qualified technicians.

The specialist teams are involved in regeneration work for social housing landlords and other service providers. They also provide a bespoke service for customers requiring specialist needs.

Lisa says working alongside her trainer, a professional with patience, is what women need when they are learning on the job. “He is a very good joiner and he explains things in a language I understand. He has patience and that is what women need because it is not second nature to a lot of women. It’s like learning a different language,” says Lisa.

Working in a male environment didn’t faze Lisa who spent her early working life spraying and valeting cars at a local garage.

Cars were her passion from an early age. “I always wanted to work with cars. I was never in the kitchen, always in the garage with my dad,” she fondly recalls.

Her earliest inclination towards a manual career came when her mum bought her a tool set when she was five.

“I cut the legs off the coffee table, which they weren’t happy with!” she laughs, referring to her parents’ response to her creative intention. “It was always in my heart I wanted to do something manual.”

Creating a wooden truck for her late father, she says, ignited her ambition to become a joiner. When her father died Lisa decided to follow her dream.

She enrolled on a joinery course at Keighley College, gaining a distinction for her first-year bench hand studies.

Unable to complete her second year in site joinery due to ill-health, but undeterred, Lisa sought an apprenticeship instead, and after undertaking theory and practical tests with City Training Services, providers of modern apprenticeships in Bradford, she secured an apprenticeship with Incommunities propertysolutions.

She recalls receiving the phone call telling her of her success. “It has changed my life and everything about it.

“I feel like I am walking tall. It’s my dream job because there will always be properties with tenants who will need somebody to sort upgrades or repairs,” says Lisa.

Despite the predicted recession which has already impacted on parts of the construction industry, Lisa is confident once you have learned a trade you have a job for life. “There will always be work and I wanted a job I could be in for the rest of my life. That is how I’ve been brought up,” she says.

“And,” she adds “I am still pinching myself. It is a fantastic opportunity.”

Lisa says she believes many young people may not realise such organisations and opportunities exist.

Lisa’s appointment and the many other females who are now working in what were once termed as ‘jobs for the boys’ proves equality is increasing within the construction industry.

“I have not been made to feel I am a woman in a man’s world. Everybody takes me as an equal and I get on with all the lads,” says Lisa.

I ask whether female joiners have any advantage over their male counterparts. “Some things are a bit more fiddly and women are a bit more intricate. I think women have finer attention to small detail,” says Lisa.

And her advice to any women considering a career in construction? “If anyone wants to do it I would tell them if it is in your heart, and if you are passionate about it pursue it. It does not matter how long it takes, keep following that dream. I am now in my dream job.”

Incommunities propertysolutions are promoting Women in Construction with a special event in Centenary Square, Bradford, during National Construction Showcase week, running from October 13.

The event aims to highlight and address the under-representation of females within the construction industry on a local and national level. It will also focus on how the Trust is actively working to promote careers in construction locally through initiatives including trade apprenticeship programmes.

The event, featuring a large marquee with thematic zones and exhibition stands, also features other exhibitors from the construction sector. Demonstration work areas will allow those considering a career in construction to have some hands-on experience.

The event is aimed at Year 10 and 11 students. Community groups and careers agencies are also expected to be involved.

For more information about the Women in Construction event in Centenary Square from October 13, contact (01274) 257498 or visit incommunitiesgroup.co.uk

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