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Just the job Apprentice Plumber with MHS contractors

Having gained her degree in Economics at the University of Manchester, Caroline pursued a career as an Equity Trader in London. After seven years working within the financial sector Caroline wanted to review her position within the investment and banking industry.

Caroline considered the options on offer. She was confident that she possessed sufficient people skills and so wanted to work within an environment that would bring her into daily contact with the public and enable her to work under her own initiative. Caroline said, “I wanted a job that would make it possible to move back to the Medway Towns, would enable me to work locally and also meant that I would no longer be desk bound. I’m an outdoors person and wanted to do a more physical job.”

Considering the criteria she had set, Caroline developed the notion of acquiring a trade and began researching how to gain a plumbing qualification. Under her own initiative Caroline contacted Rochester based construction company mhs commercial a subsidiary of the mhs homes group and spoke to Health and Safety Officer, John Tillott who supervises the trainee apprentices.

Caroline said, “It was a classic ‘Cold Call’ I had no idea how I would be received and I knew it was going to be a major change to my life but thankfully I was accepted and will be completing my training next year.”

Carl Dewey, Commercial Director for mhs commercial said, “We welcome applicants of any age, gender or background into our apprenticeship programme. The programme is run in-conjunction with local college Mid-Kent and offers plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying and electrical training. As part of our commitment to training, all apprentices have a day release at college to study for a City and Guilds course and the rest of the time is spent with a mentor gaining invaluable onsite experience.”

When asked what part of the job she found most challenging, Caroline said, “At first I was worried about the physical strength issue but the experience I’ve gained on the job has taught me that its more a matter of technique. Going out on site with experienced supervisors helps you learn the tricks of the trade.”

The image of the construction industry for many women is that it is still a male dominated environment. Construction companies however are starting to challenge stereotypes that may have prevented women thinking about a career in the industry. The mhs homes group is tackling the issues surrounding women who may be interested in the construction industry but are concerned that they may not be taken seriously through the organisations new building skills training centre, Skillsgateway. Working in partnership with Young Builders Trust and CITB – Construction Skills, Skillsgateway is planning to run a fully funded and accredited women’s only course. The training centre has also organised a consortium to visit local schools in the area to promote careers in construction to young people aged between 14-18 who may never have considered that field of work.

Name Caroline Batchelor
Course City & Guilds Plumbing (Day Release)
College Mid Kent College, Oakwood
Qualifications BA (Economics) University of Manchester

Email: kates@mhs.org.uk