When you’re in the business of manufacturing industry-leading façade and fabricated products, you need to have a dedicated team with expert knowledge behind you.
But how do you get into this line of work? A degree certainly helps, but securing an apprenticeship is an excellent way to secure first-hand experience in the industry, while learning as you go.
Last year, we had the pleasure of welcoming 18-year-old Abi Sayer to our growing team; she’s currently studying a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship with Bishop Auckland college, while supporting our team with business administration.
Abi had been an asset to the team, and it’s been a pleasure supporting her throughout her learnings; in fact, we put her forward for an award win in Aycliffe Business’ Make your Mark Awards, within the apprenticeship category… we couldn’t be prouder!
We decided to catch up with Abi to learn more about her experience taking on an apprenticeship with the support of BTS…
What attracted you to wanting to do an apprenticeship?
“I’ve always wanted to work within the construction industry as I was inspired by my dad.
I also had some experience of working at a similar company during summer placements whilst at college, so BTS seemed like a great place to start.
With BTS being a small family-ran business, I feel valued and supported. Additionally, the employee benefits and progression opportunities attracted me to starting my career at BTS.”
How do you find a balance between working and learning?
“I find it easier to balance work and learning by scheduling times for studying throughout my work week; I will either complete one hour of learning per day or will use Fridays when I am in work to research and complete my work – this works better for me as it allows me to be in control of my allowed six hours of learning time.
I have the benefit of flexibility at BTS, meaning I can take full control over my coursework and college work.”
Talk us through what a typical day looks like for you…
“I usually get to work between 7:30-7:45am, I’ll check my emails and check the QCD board to make sure it’s up-to-date and ready for the ‘boardwalk meeting’, which takes place at 8am-8:15am.
The ‘boardwalk’ is a meeting where a member of each department gathers each day to catch up on everything from orders to delivery dates.
The project coordinator team and I then process the jobs – this includes raising purchase orders and sales orders, communicating with customers on delivery dates, updating sub-contractors of work being delivered to them, I will also update trackers, make revisions, deal with NCRs and answer customer enquiries.”
What have you been enjoying the most?
“During my time at BTS, I have found that communicating to customers and suppliers most enjoyable, I love to follow up with phone calls, emails and face-to-face meetings – it really solidifies those business-customer relationships and helps me put a face to a name.
I am looking forward to spending more time in production, I think it’s important to learn how the company works as a whole to develop a wider understanding of the different areas of manufacturing.
I am also looking forward to going out and meeting more customers on a regular basis, this will give me the opportunity to see our product being fixed to buildings.”
What advice would you give other females with an ambition of pursuing a career in construction?
“As a woman in a male-dominant industry, my advice to those who are unsure of whether to take the plunge, is to just go for it.
Overcoming your own fear is the first step to have a successful career in sectors where we are the minority.
You’re never going to realise your full potential if you don’t take that first step, as long as you put the work in and make the effort, it will be seen and respected by those that matter.
And if you’re still unsure, just know there are many women like yourself who just need to take that first step, which in time will help make male dominant sectors and industries become gender equal.”
