Meet Honey, Bricklaying Apprentice at Taylor Wimpey

South Wales apprentice, Honey Jenkins speaks about women in construction

We have interviewed Honey Jenkins, one of Taylor Wimpey South Wales bricklaying apprentices on what it’s like to work in the construction sector. 

 

 

What made you want to work in the construction sector? 

I’ve always been around people working in construction. My father runs his own construction company, so I naturally became interested while growing up around a family of handymen. I felt connected to the idea of becoming my own independent handywoman.

Describe a day in the life of a bricklaying apprentice here at Taylor Wimpey?

Being a bricklaying apprentice is great, as we get to try our hands at a variety of different skill sets. For example, we have been practising our skills by building cavity walling and decorative work. We have also had some on-site experience with building garden walls, as well as some on-site labour to help understand the planning process when building the different plots. 

How do you influence your peers and others around you?

It’s great being one of the few female bricklayer apprentices at Taylor Wimpey South Wales, as it’s not typically a trade that women are associated with. Personally, I think everyone influences and inspires each other to do better every day. We are all very supportive and help each other to solve problems. There is great team spirit on the apprentice compound. 

Are there any females that you see as a role model in your life? 

There are a few female role models in my life, the main one being my mum. She shows me how to be strong and not let others affect me and the way I see myself and the world. Without the support of my mum, I would have most definitely struggled going to any job without her positivity. She helps and guides me to handle all situations that life can throw at me. 

What is your message for other women in the industry?

Never give up on your dreams. Life can throw up challenges and struggles along the way, but the important part is doing the best for yourself. I believe that being a woman today, we have the same chances and opportunities as everyone else. 

 

About Taylor Wimpey:

We are one of the largest residential developers in the UK, with operations also in Spain.

We build attractive and sustainable homes and communities, with a wide range of properties, from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses. Being a successful homebuilder means we do so much more than build homes. We provide high-quality places to live with appropriate facilities, an attractive environment and a sense of place. We also add social, economic and environmental value to the wider communities in which we operate. We are experts in land acquisition, home and community design, urban regeneration and the development of supporting infrastructure.

If you thought the building industry was all about hard hats and hi-vis jackets – think again. Our doors are open to everyone, from new starters to career changers and returners, on-site and off. We’re looking for bright, enthusiastic people from all backgrounds to join our diverse, inclusive and collaborative teams. We don’t just build houses here, we build careers.

We want all of our people to strike the work-life balance that’s right for them. Our working environment should suit the individual and our benefit options broad enough to cater for all.

 

Find out more about working at Taylor Wimpey

Explore current vacancies at Taylor Wimpey