AN assistant site manager in Stourport has revealed why women should consider a career in the construction industry.

Helen Ward Thorpe, 28, joined homebuilder Barratt Homes after searching for a new path.

Having started with the housebuilder seven years ago as a carpentry apprentice, Helen dived in head first and has never looked back.

Her apprenticeship offered an insight into the construction industry and the opportunity to learn while she earned whilst also giving her happiness in a new career.

Based at the homebuilder’s Worcestershire development Folliott’s Manor in Stourport, Helen said: “I always knew construction was mostly male-dominated but I never really stopped to think about it.

"It wasn’t until I started the job that I realised I was the only woman on site.”

“Coming from a female assistant site manager’s perspective, a lot of people assume that I have no hands-on construction experience which is completely incorrect.

"Others assume I work for the sales department or only deal with customer care when really I’m running the site along with the site manager.

“This can be disheartening but it’s nice to tell people what I really do and change their view of women in construction.

“Having women in the construction industry is extremely important.

"I’ve noticed the positive changes to the industry when women are on site, we listen and we work hard because we are the minority.

"Soon the stereotype of construction roles being taken up by men will begin to disappear.”

Having originally pursued an art career at Falmouth University, Helen continued: “There should be more publicity about apprenticeships!

"Being a female at the time, we weren’t the target audience.

"To encourage more women to join the construction industry we need more talks in schools and colleges.

“Successful women in trades need to be shown to the younger generation. If I had known that an apprenticeship was a choice, I would have jumped at the chance earlier.

“From the outside, construction looks dirty, hard and cold. It completely is! But underneath the job is so rewarding, the summers are worth the wait and a little dirt never hurt anyone.

“The beginning is the hardest part. If you’re jumping into trade, you will hurt, you will blister and you’ll bleed but you get stronger, you do lift just as much as the men and you work just as hard.”

Adrian Evans, managing director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: “As a five-star developer, it’s important we set an example and create a diverse workplace for other housebuilders to follow suit.

“We’re delighted to see Helen changing the face of the industry and setting a precedent that women can pursue a successful career in home building.

“We hope to welcome more women into the sector and are excited to see how Helen progresses in her role as assistant site manager.”