Public Sector's Local Heroes

Sep 28 2008

CONSTRUCTION might not be the top career choice for girls but Kahlia Sodigal reckons she has made the right move. The 18-year-old, of Banff, Aberdeenshire, has proved herself in a male-dominated world and aims to encourage other women to build a career in the trade.

ALTHOUGH the number of females entering the construction industry has improved over the last few years, inequalities still remain.

This is despite research from the Women And Work Commission showing increasing female participation in different sectors could be worth between £15billion and £23billion a year to the UK economy.

Kahlia started work as an apprentice joiner at Aberdeenshire Council in May.

Senior housing officer Michael Tocher reckons she has been a credit to the profession.

He said: "Kahlia has a genuine interest in her profession and a good work ethic.

"She is a valued member of the repairs team and has fitted in effortlessly.

"She has been professional, hard-working, enthusiastic and a credit to young people."

A former pupil of Banff Academy, Kahlia embarked on a general building course at Fraserburgh College.

She said: "I chose joinery as it's very hands on and I didn't want to work in an office. I heard about the council apprenticeship in college then applied online. I am really enjoying it.

"I cover the Banff and Buchan area. I carry out general housing repairs and deal with customers."

Kahlia is also doing a CITB course in joinery at Banff and Buchan College as part of her apprenticeship.

When asked what advice she would give to other girls, she said: "Don't worry about working with men or boys. We're the same."

Progressive employer attitudes and investment in schemes to help females enter the construction industry will lead to more members of the fairer sex considering it as a career option.

Paul Sykes, of ConstructionSkills, said: "It is great to see more young women studying construction.

"It is a growing industry, with around 12 per cent females, but 46 per cent of the economically active population is female.

"Research has shown that part of the problem is the historically poor image of construction work so we campaign to combat this.

"Our Women And Work project has seen in excess of £2million invested in support for women entering the industry."

'I chose joinery...don't worry about the boys'