Kylie Watson, 18, started out on a construction course at Dumfries and Galloway College and is now a bricklaying apprentice.
A teenager is helping pave the way for women tradespeople by becoming a bricklaying apprentice – aged 18.
Kylie Watson started out on a construction course at Dumfries and Galloway College before specialising in bricklaying after finding the work satisfying.
Now, three days per week, Kylie works with employers Parc Construction, and attends the college for the other two days to learn the theory behind her trade.
Kylie says she enjoys working on a range of projects and the ability to work outdoors – and believes that more women should take the step into trades apprenticeships.
She said: “I really enjoy it. I enjoy the range of projects I get to work on, and I like working outside.
“I know that more girls and women are considering this as a career. I don’t see why women can’t become a tradesperson.”
She told the BBC: “I kind of fancied getting into the construction industry so I decided to go on the multi-skills course first to see if I definitely wanted to do bricklaying or not.
“So I got a taste of everything, decided I wanted to stick with bricklaying and here we are.”
A post on LinkedIn by her lecturer Kieran Downey caught the attention of Parc Construction, after Kieran posted an example of Kylie’s work.
“This is an image of the standard one of my female learners works to,” he wrote.
“She wants to change the mentality of the industry in our region and become the first ever female bricklaying apprentice in Dumfries and Galloway. I have promised to go above and beyond to ensure this happens.”
The sustainable construction lecturer described Kylie as “one of the best students” he has had.
She has learnt skills enabling her to carry out work on wall constructions, extensions, and she has become involved with important construction projects across the region.
Parc Construction Director Gaby Cherry saw Kieran’s post, and decided to take a chance on the new apprentice, and from the get-go, said Kylie was “fitting right in.”
Cherry said: “Apprenticeships are vital for our business to keep us going. We’re training our potential future workforce and, with the shortage in the construction industry, we need to focus on how to maintain and grow our skilled workforce.”
She is particularly proud of Kylie’s ability to be a trailblazer, having quickly integrated into an otherwise-male team.
She added: “She’s fitted right in, which has been great to see. The guys she’s working with are all super impressed with her, and they respect what she can do.
“We’re very proud to have her on board leading the way for females in the trade. In today’s day and age, we definitely need to see more women in construction.
“I have three daughters of my own and what career path they choose is up to them, but the option should always be there for them.”
Read more here: Click Here
