n By Keith Hatch
“I was looking for a new adventure and decided that an apprenticeship in construction was something I wanted to try.”
So says Lisa Cudjoe, an apprentice steel fixer at the HS2 site in Old Oak Common, West London.
Lisa is just one of the army of new apprentice construction workers that will be needed over the coming years if the government’s building targets are to be met.
Earlier this year the CITB’s Construction Skills Network Industry Outlook 2024 – 28 Report said that over 250,000 extra construction workers are required by 2028 to meet demand.
The report highlighted “the continuing persistent gap between what the UK needs to keep up with demand and the workforce available to meet the challenge.” It noted major opportunities for jobs in private housing, infrastructure and repair and maintenance.
With this massive skills shortage in the sector, it is positive to see workers like Lisa decide to change her career and develop new skills in construction. Lisa is working at the HS2 site and enrolled on an 18-month apprenticeship with Hackney College in steel fixing where she spends three days a month doing practical and paper-based course work.
The course covers the construction of various models such as beams, columns and slabs and includes health and safety practices and interpretation of drawings.
Lisa takes up her story. “I was a bus driver for so many years that I decided I needed a real change.
‘‘
I think being in Unite is in my blood now, I was active as a bus driver and now I’m very happy to continue my Unite membership in my new career in construction
Lisa Cudjoe, Unite apprentice, HS2
There were long hours, with very little flexibility and I wanted my weekends back!
“I had been looking at some of the resources provided by “Women into Construction” which seemed very interesting. I went into my local Job Centre and spoke to them about apprenticeships and decided to sign up for one as a steel fixer on the HS2 site.”
Sadly Women into Construction ceased trading in mid-August, bringing an end to 16 years of inspiring women to consider construction jobs. But while it was running Lisa found it not only a useful source of inspiration, but in August 2023 she won their Apprentice of the Year, Rising Star Award for the South East.
That wasn’t the only award Lisa has received, and in November 2023 she was recognised in the Mayor of London Adult Learning Awards.
Lisa has nearly completed her apprenticeship, and this will mean pay rises as she progresses and gains experience. She also mentions that the employer has been very good and paid for any exam retakes and put her on other courses.
Lisa said, “I now also have my ticket for the MEWP (mobile elevated work platform) and have taken up any learning opportunities that the employer provides.” This has recently included starting a self-defence course.
Mental health in the construction sector is a huge issue. Lisa said, “Among the short courses that the company provides is one on mental health. They keep encouraging us to look out for each other and ask how we are doing etc. They have mental health champions with their contact details displayed, should you need to call them at any time.
“Although I find my job challenging at times, this is something I’ve found very positive.”
Lisa has been very involved with supporting fellow workers by sitting on the board of the workplace skills centre. She is also on the women’s forum, which has been looking at issues around correct PPE and hours. The employer has also been running inclusion and diversity courses.
17 unite buildingWORKER Autumn 2024 ‘‘
She’s doing a great job, in one of the most physical jobs in construction – Lisa is an inspiration to other women who might want to consider a career in construction
Declan Murphy, Unite regional officer
Lisa has been a Unite member at Old Oak Common since the union recently signed an access agreement with HS2 following a two-year campaign, which included regular demonstrations, leafleting workers and resolving their concerns.
Declan Murphy, Unite regional officer, was heavily involved in securing the access agreement and can talk to workers on site, help with their issues and promote the benefits of Unite membership.
The agreement also allows Unite representatives to talk to workers on the site during their breaks, in order to deal with any concerns or worries they may have.
One other benefit of having access to the site meant that Declan has been able to present Lisa with a Unite apprenticeship tool box – which Unite does to support new member apprentices.
“I was really pleased to be able to present Lisa with her Unite apprentice tool box,” he said. “She’s doing a great job at Old Oak Common, and on her course, in one of the most physical jobs in construction, and Lisa is an inspiration to other women who might want to consider a career in construction.”
Lisa was a Unite branch officer as a bus driver and actively involved in her branch. She still stays in touch with her old colleagues and often gives advice on workplace issues even though she has moved on.
“I think being in Unite is in my blood now, I was active as a bus driver and now I’m very happy to continue my Unite membership in my new career in construction.”
buildingWORKER wishes Lisa every success.
‘‘
‘‘
Mark Thomas
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
