Emma – Slinger/Signaller

Emma was working as a teacher but decided to change careers during lockdown to move away from online learning delivery and the restraints of working continuously on a laptop to be outdoors and more active. Emma wanted to pursue construction as she felt it was an industry that would prevail during these times of uncertainty, offering stability, longevity and roles that were more practical and varied.

Emma contacted Women into Construction via our website and was introduced to Shelley Lawrence, having already booked herself onto her training to gain her CSCS card. Shelley worked with Emma to create a tailored personal statement to start approaching employers and gave further advice and guidance. Upon completing her CSCS training, Emma decided to put herself through her Slinger/Signaller qualification, of which she passed in December 2020.

Emma went on to undertake a practical, hands-on work placement on Hill’s Marleigh site in Cambridge – working with the Slinger/Signaller supervisor to put her training into practice and gain site experience.  The placement was a success with Project Manager for the site, Kris Garratt, commenting how brilliantly Emma had fitted into the team, commending her progress and communication skills.

Emma was offered a role on the Hill site following her experience, via ProLifting, which she accepted. Emma started as a Slinger/Signaller Operative on January 6th 2021 – less than eight weeks after registering with WiC.

Emma is an inspiring example of someone who has successfully transitioned industries halfway through their career and shows what can be achieved with dedication and sheer determination. It’s never too late to pursue a new challenge. Emma was extremely proactive, saw an opportunity and went for it. I’m really happy that I’ll be able to pop in to see Emma in action when I’m next on the Hill site in Cambridge – Shelley Lawrence, WiC

“Not only do (WiC) show you pathways into the construction industry, but they make available all sorts of extra training and guidance, plus opportunities, so that the participant can make a more informed choice about certain directions, or routes which they do or do not want to take into the industry. Whatever career path you pursue, you’ll encounter problems and feel under pressure, so why not let it be outdoors with a great bunch of hard-working family people who all want to feel that whichever way they turn, there’ll be work for them, in this town, this country, this world.” – Emma