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Autumn/Winter 2021 15 www.hae.org.uk www.eha.org.uk J essica Wells, an employee of The Preparation Group, has become the first female to achieve NVQ level2 in Specialist Concrete occupations (Construction) – Substrate Preparation and Profiling. Jess started her employment with The Preparation Group in October 2018. Prior to that Jess, aged 29, was a care worker, but decided on a change of career after she attended an event aimed at encouraging young people into the industry as part of Lincolnshire Construction Week, supported by CITB and local businesses and trade associations. After witnessing a talk at the event given by Lincoln-based surface preparation specialist The Preparation Group, Jess approached the company afterwards and was later taken on. Jess’s NVQ was assessed by the Resin Flooring Association (FeRFA), the not-for-profit trade body representing manufacturers, contractors and companies in industrial and commercial resin flooring, screeding and surface preparation. Assessor Mr Jack Longdon, who has more than 49 years of industry expertise, said that with the UK having one of the lowest percentages of female professionals in the construction industry, he hoped her achievement would encourage more females to train and benefit from the carer opportunities that the surface preparation, polishing and resin flooring industry offers. “Jess is an inspiration,” he said. Jess said her ultimate goal is to be a site manager, and to be able to mentor and train more women. She said: “I enjoy journeying around the country with the people I work with, there is never a dull moment. I am on site with guys using high tech machinery. I thought working on site might be intimidating, but if you are interested in learning, people will show you how to do things right, help and support you.” She added: “It doesn’t matter if you are male or female - you need to love what you do to deliver results.” It’s not all been plain sailing - Jess has run up against a few challenges faced by women working in a male-dominated sector, including lack of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and work clothing, and a site not having women’s welfare facilities or female toilets. Managing Director of The Preparation Group, Tracey Glew, said the industry has changed a lot since The Preparation Group started 30 years ago and there is considerably more awareness in the importance of investment in training, recognition of achievements and rewarding for achieving qualifications. “Jess has worked extremely hard to achieve her goals. We are proud of her achievement and will support her to achieve her future ambitions,” she said. FIRST WOMAN TO ACHIEVE SPECIALISED INDUSTRY NVQ