Championing women in trades this National Apprenticeship Week

As part of our commitment to being a great place to work, we want to encourage more women into a career in trades and we’re proud to have great female role models completing apprenticeships in these fields. 

Rosie Eley joined Housing Plus Group in March 2024 and is one of the 25 people across our Group who is completing a trade apprenticeship. Working within Property Plus, Rosie is gaining vital experience whilst studying for her Level 3 Electrical Apprenticeship at Shrewsbury College. 

The three-year apprenticeship programme will give her the skills and knowledge to become a fully qualified electrician. 

After leaving school, Rosie felt university wasn’t for her. Having grown up watching her mum buy and do-up properties, she was inspired to choose a career path in a practical trade. 

She said: “I didn’t think university was for me and I liked the idea of getting paid while learning a trade.  

“I’ve always wanted to do a practical job, I’m not that book smart and didn’t want to be sat in an office all day. 

“When I was growing up, I noticed that my Mum was very practical. I started to help her to improve the houses she bought and working alongside her inspired me to do something hands on too.” 

“I heard about the apprenticeship through Indeed. I went for an interview and two days later I was told I’d been successful, I was so excited.  

“I love working in a big organisation as there’s more opportunities, I get to work with different people each day, doing different things.” 

Rosie works closely with a team of experienced operatives out on site, while also attending college every Tuesday. She gets involved in electrical testing, works in empty homes and goes into customer’s homes to help work on repairs. 

She continued: “It was a bit scary going into a male-dominated industry, but everyone has been really supportive. I work with a good group of people and it feels good to break those stereotypes.  

“I think it’s nice for older people too, especially for an older lady living by herself. I think it can be reassuring and make them feel more comfortable to have a female working in their home. 

“It’s a rewarding job. When a customer is happy after you’ve fixed something for them, it’s really rewarding.” 

Simone Hitchin joined the organisation in 2019, initially as a trainee house building operative, before securing a plumbing apprenticeship. Throughout the day, Simone helps customers with a range of different plumbing tasks, such as changing radiator valves or soldering pipes.   

Simone was trained through the Marches Construction Ready Partnership and began manufacturing the panels for passivhaus buildings. As a trainee, she was taught key skills, such as electrical, joinery, brickwork, plumbing and painting.    

“When I speak to tenants, they’re really encouraging. They don’t come across many female plumbers and sometimes it’s a shock when I come through the door, but I love it.  

“I’ve always been hands-on, so this is the ideal apprenticeship for me. I’ve had lots of support and training. I’m proud of myself – I never thought I would be doing a job like this – I’ve gone from working in hospitality to learning all these new skills. I’m setting myself goals and I’m meeting them. It’s also about being a positive role model for my daughter as well.”  

Simone has made a huge impact during her time with Housing Plus Group, combining on-the-job learning with her studies. She has used her own initiative to take younger staff and apprentices under her wing, helping to develop their skills, whilst also honing her own craft. 

This year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme is ‘Skills for Life’. Rosie and Simone’s apprenticeship will give them the skills required to take them forward in their careers.