Bryony's Success on the 3:2 Initiative

Bryony was studying Plumbing Level One but was uncertain about her future. She hoped to progress to Level Two, but she didn’t have a clear pathway to employment or a sense of what opportunities were available.

While she had some previous experience with interview preparation, Meg provided more targeted guidance and specific questions, which helped her feel confident for her interview with SureServe. The 3:2 programme gave Bryony practical experience and built her confidence before starting her apprenticeship. She also felt supported and safe at work, as WaMT regularly checked in to ensure everything was going smoothly.

3:2 Programme: Support and Training

Bryony was enrolled on WaMT’s 3:2 Programme, a partnership initiative with local colleges designed for women who are training in construction but not yet working in the industry.

The programme provides:

• Paid part-time work alongside college study (3 days college / 2 days work)
• Employment with a contractor in the student’s chosen trade
• Support from a mentor or tradesperson on-site
• Fair pay, at minimum wage or higher
• A pathway to apprenticeship or employment at the end of the diploma

For Bryony, the programme was crucial in building confidence, gaining practical knowledge, and preparing her for a successful apprenticeship.

Leeds College of Building: Partner Perspective

“Working with Meg at Women and Manual Trades, has provided some extra support and great opportunities for our female students. I first met with Meg last year as she began working with 2 of our first-year plumbing students. Meg had regular contact with them to get to know them and learn more about their ideas and plans for their future in the industry.

A short time later, through Meg, they were introduced to an employer who was looking to take on 2 new gas apprentices. With her guidance and 1-1 support, the students were able to attend their interview with confidence.

Both students are now working with that employer as gas apprentices and returning to LCB for their apprenticeship course. A great outcome and a positive step into construction for these students.”

Outcome:

With support from WaMT and Leeds College of Building, Bryony was introduced to SureServe and successfully secured a Gas Engineer Apprenticeship. She is now gaining hands-on experience, building her qualifications, and is aware of the opportunities ahead. She has moved from work in retail to a fulfilling trade role, earning more money and enjoying a stable career pathway.

The programme has had a significant impact on Bryony’s confidence and mindset, improving her financial situation, giving her career security with a signed contract and clear progression, and enhancing her mental wellbeing through positive relationships with colleagues and a supportive work environment.

She has since signed up for a women-only plumbing competition, where she will develop new technical skills, meet other women in the industry, and continue building her professional network.

WaMT’s partnership with Leeds College of Building is helping:

• Open up opportunities for women interested in construction
• Influence employers to see the value of hiring women
• Create visible role models for the next generation

Bryony is now not only building her own future, but she is showing others what is possible. She said:

“I had previous experience in interview preparation; however, Meg gave me more specific knowledge and questions that really helped me in my interview with SureServe.

I prefer to go into something prepared, and the 3:2 programme helped me gain confidence before starting my apprenticeship. I always felt supported by WaMT and they made us feel safe at work and checked in regularly to ensure there were no issues or problems.”