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Rushmon Homes welcomes enthusiastic female subcontractor onto its Reigate development

National Construction Week, which runs from 8^th to 12^th October, highlights the opportunities for young people in construction, as well as the pressing need the industry has for new talent: almost 350,000 new recruits will be required by 2010. However, ifoweveHoweHoeevHo Katie Lumsden is typical of the new calibre of apprentice entering the industry, then it need have no fears for the future. 18 year-old Katie is focused, ambitious and hard-working, and obviously very proud of her chosen trade of electrician. She is currently apprenticed to Power Craft, an electrical company subcontracted to Cobham-based house builder Rushmon Homes. Power Craft, and Katie, are currently working on Rushmon’s Prospects development in Reigate, a collection of two bedroom apartments in the town centre, which is already 70% sold.

Katie’s choice of career was influenced by her dad, who is a builder. “I’ve always loved electrics,” she says, “and unlike some of the trades like bricklaying, I felt it was something that wouldn’t challenge me too much physically.”  She lives in Brighton, and for the last year has been a student at Worthing Northbrook College, which offers both academic and practical courses, and the apprenticeship with Power Craft is part of the four-year course.

So far, the apprenticeship is going very well. Katie’s boss Pat Page is proud of his protégée and says she is “doing great!”  In his opinion it is quite difficult to find high quality, qualified people, so Power Craft is investing in training to make sure the company has access to the right levels of skills.

But will women ever be fully accepted in construction? In 2005 the Construction Skills Network commissioned some research amongst girls aged 11 to 18, 70% of whom felt they were still being channelled into typical female careers and not encouraged to enter male preserves like building, even when they were keen to do so. National Construction Week challenges these dated views and wants to encourage young women to make their mark on the construction industry.

Katie’s attitude is typically feisty. “Many companies still think that taking on a girl will slow things down, but that’s rubbish. Girls can do as much as men, you’ve just got to work hard and keep your ambition high. Having women around is a change they’ll just have to get used to.”

So anyone buying an apartment at Prospects has the satisfaction of knowing that, in an indirect way, they are helping foster this pioneering spirit. Katie Lumsden however, just wants her chance to show that she’s as good as anyone, male or female. And her dad is, quite rightly, “unbelievably proud.’”

Prices at Rushmon Homes’ Prospects in Reigate range from £212,950 to £272,950. The new designer show apartment is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 10am to 4pm; call 07795 681909 for further information.  For further details about Prospects or any Rushmon Homes developments, visit www.rushmonhomes.co.uk or call 01932 586777.

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