Member Article

Women in Construction Award for Barratt apprentice

A 17 year old apprentice from Hampshire has been honoured for her achievements in the Women in Construction Awards.

Katherine Colley – who works for Barratt Homes - has been named Best Apprentice Under 25 in the prestigious awards which showcase the brightest and best female achievers in the housebuilding and wider construction industries.

The apprentice is one of Barratt’s rising stars and has dreamed of being a carpenter since the age of seven. She secured a work placement with Barratt when she was at school and joined the five star housebuilder last year.

Speaking after the glittering awards ceremony Katherine said she was thrilled to have won. “Women may still be in the minority in the construction industry but I was up against some tough competition so to win is just amazing,’’ said Katherine.

“I’ve have such great support from so many people already in my career from my woodworking teacher through to Barratt’s community liaison manager Anthony Dimmick who has mentored me every step of the way.’’

In addition to her work on site, Katherine is also part of the Aspire team in Southampton – a group of individuals who are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of construction staff.

Katherine visits schools and colleges where she talks about her experiences and the opportunities open to women in the construction industry.

Anthony Dimmick says that Katherine was a deserved winner of the Women in Construction Award and is the perfect ambassador for the company. “We are delighted that Katherine’s determination and achievements have been recognised with this great award.’’

Suzie Flynn, graduate and future talent manager at Barratt Developments said; “I am so proud of Katherine. she’s worked incredibly hard to achieve this award. She’s a credit to the division and to the Apprentice Programme as a whole. I’ve no doubt that she’ll continue her ambassadorial work, promoting careers in the industry, especially for women.”

Once Katherine has completed her carpentry apprenticeship she hopes to join the assistant manager scheme and ultimately become a site manager.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .