This National Apprenticeship Week we are showcasing one of our rising stars, 20-year-old Apprentice Assistant Site Manager Brooke Evans, who is paving the way for young women in construction and hopes to inspire other young people into a career in construction.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently reported that apprenticeship starts were up by 1.3% for the 2024-25 compared to the previous academic year, with Bromford hoping to see this increase continue by placing an emphasis on early careers as its apprentice workforce continues to involve across different sectors.
Brooke Evans, from the Rhonda Valley, is helping to deliver energy-efficient homes at Bromford’s largest own-built scheme to date in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire.
The development is Brooke’s second Bromford development as she enters year two of her apprenticeship, following her excellent contribution to the delivery of over 180 affordable homes in Cheltenham.
Brooke comes from a construction background, both her grandfathers and her father all working in trades on site, giving her an understanding and interest in bricklaying, plastering, electrical work and more.
The catalyst for a pathway into a construction career came just over two years ago, when her parents entered a self-build project for their new home.
Brooke said: “While my parents were completing a self-build, I was immediately intrigued and started looking at routes into site management.
“I secured an apprenticeship with Bromford, which has taught me so much both professionally and personally, giving me hands on experience with industry professionals, with my valuable skills in resilience, work ethic, attention to detail and more all developing further.”
Each Bromford apprentice undergoes a blend of coursework and practical activity as well as being assigned a mentor, with Brooke learning first-hand from three experienced site managers so far.
Brooke added: “I feel supported here and really feel valued – it’s great to understand that my voice is heard and truly listened to.
“As a young woman in an industry that is still male-dominated, I feel I have just as many opportunities as men, and that Bromford encourages female involvement, challenges outdated stereotypes and most importantly, highlights female success.”
Bromford is committed to delivering safe and affordable housing across all of its regions, something that Brooke says makes her proud: “Handing over my first home was such a rewarding achievement, and that feeling that you’ve something that puts a roof over people’s heads, where they will be happy, will never get old.
Simon Kershaw, Head of Construction at Bromford, said: “Apprenticeships are a critical part of our business, and we’re so pleased to be providing incredible opportunities for young people across the board.
“Brooke is a shining example of the value and fresh perspectives our apprentices bring, and we learn a lot from them too.
“I hope that Brooke’s story demonstrates how apprenticeships can inspire people to challenge stereotypes and forge a rewarding career in construction. We are proud to nurture diverse talent in continuing to share the future of the industry.”
Bromford is providing homes across the Midlands and the South West. For more information of apprenticeships with Bromford, please visit https://www.bromford.co.uk/careers/graduates-and-apprentices/.