Evolution apprentice plasterer Paige Thomas already has her sights set on inspiring more women into the construction industry after featuring in a national skills campaign.
Paige, 18, has been chosen as one of the stars of an industry campaign aimed at young people.
Blackpool-based Paige was taking part in the regional qualifiers of the SkillBuild competition at Burnley College earlier this week.
Ahead of the event, organisers the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), were so impressed with the way Paige is already inspiring other girls and young women to pursue careers in construction, that they chose her to feature in a video campaign.
Paige was one of only four young people to win through and be selected for filming from 40 applicants to a SkillBuild competition to follow their skills journey,
Paige said: “My dad is a builder and I learned from him from a young age. Now I am working in the industry I want to inspire more young girls to follow in my footsteps. I hope the video helps achieve that.
“Working with Evolution is fantastic. I love it. I really enjoy the work and improving my skills.”
Kirsty King, CITB product developer, said: “The way Paige comes across in the video is really inspiring.
“Her story of following her dad into the construction industry and wanting to inspire more women to work in construction is fantastic. We hope it inspires other people as much as it inspires us.”
Paige joined Evolution in September after bosses were so impressed with her skills when they attended a workshop event set up by Blackpool and The Fylde College.
It was as a direct result of that event that Evolution was able to offer Paige, who at the time had just completed her Level 2 qualifications, an apprentice opportunity.
Evolution Managing Director JJ Fitzgerald is passionate about giving young people a better start in life and supports a range of pioneering training and employment initiatives.
JJ said: “Paige is a great role model for any young person wanting to get into the construction industry. We hope doing this video – and the way she has done such a superb job of sharing her story – will inspire others to follow her lead.”
Paige was this week among 77 young people competing in one of 16 SkillBuild regional qualifiers in her own specialism of plastering.
She now faces an anxious wait to find out whether she is one of only eight plasterers from the whole of the country to win through to compete in the national SkillBuild finals at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes from November 18-21.
JJ said: “Whatever the outcome Paige has already done herself, family and friends, and all her colleagues, proud.
“Here at Evolution we are always delighted to help young people develop their skills and forge a successful career path in the construction industry.”
Photos/Video
Apprentice Paige Thomas, who works for Blackpool construction company Evolution, has been taking part in SkillBuild after featuring in a nationwide industry campaign.
Video of Paige Thomas produced byConstruction Industry Training Board (CITB) as part of SkillBuild programme.
