Member Article

Potential model chooses construction site over catwalk

A formerly unemployed Teesside woman has turned down the chance of a glamorous life as a model to accept her dream job as a bricklayer. Despite being offered a modelling contract by one of the UK’s leading agencies, Emma Louise Pritchard, 20, of Redcar, has opted for the dirt and sweat of a construction site.

Ms Pritchard, who has been unemployed for more than 12 months, was originally referred to Pertemps Employment Alliance (PEA) with the potential to be a hairdresser. But in her heart, Ms Pritchard knew the construction site was her real calling not the catwalk or hair salon. Now she has just started work onsite as a bricklayer for B & E Builders in Redcar.

Ms Pritchard said: “I enjoy practical work and modelling didn’t allow me to do that whilst bricklaying does. I have been working now for three weeks and am really enjoying it. I don’t mind the dirt and cold weather because I am doing something I love. “I am also planning on going to college one day a week, starting in September, to get my NVQ in construction.”

Dan Cochrane, employment coach from PEA, said: “With Emma’s background and interest in hair styling and modelling it was the last thing that I would have expected her to show an interest in. “Following work trials and discussions with her prospective employer it became apparent that this is something she had her heart set on and showed great promise in. “Emma’s story shows that dedication and focus count for so much in achieving your dream.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .