Georgia Veevers

Overbury

Why did you choose to study an apprenticeship?

I never knew what I wanted to do after finishing college, but I knew I wanted to work as well as learn along the way. Completing a degree apprenticeship allows me to do this and put what I am learning into action at work. I will gain practical skills whilst also developing my educational skills.

Looking back over your time on the apprenticeship so far, how have you found the whole experience?

I am enjoying the apprenticeship so far; my work life and university life is balanced, and I am learning so many new skills. I can feel my career already bettering and the lectures are beneficial to my everyday tasks at work.

How would you describe the support that you’ve received from the University of Salford?

They are very supportive; my lecturers are helpful, and I feel comfortable going to them with any queries regarding my university work. I have also had, and will continue to have, a review with my line manager and a representative from Salford University to check my progress and answer any queries I have.

What has been your proudest achievement on your apprenticeship to date?

I had the opportunity to project manage a two-week charity project that Overbury completed for Stockport Race and Equality Partnership. We completely refurbished their community centre, using volunteers from subcontractors and Overbury, and the project was recently nominated for the Best Community Project 2023 award at the BPIC Awards 2023. I got to attend the event in London and meet some amazing, inspirational people and although we did not win, to be nominated for such a fantastic award was honouring.

What do you want to do once you complete your apprenticeship?

I want to be a qualified Construction Project Manager.

What led you to a career in construction?

Growing up I never knew what I wanted to be, even when I finished college I was still unsure. I got speaking to a good friend that works in construction and he sparked an interest and I realised there was more to construction than building. I did some research and realised that construction was suited to me. No two days are the same in construction and I enjoy problem solving and working in a team, so I applied to Overbury and thankfully got the job! Over the past two years, I completed a HNC at Salford University whilst rotating around Overbury, spending 3-4 months with a mentor from each job role, understanding what my strengths and interests were. Once I’d completed the two-year training, I decided to choose a career in Project Management and so applied for the Construction Project Management Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Salford.

What advice would you give to other women who are interested in a career pursuing in construction?

Do it! Be confident in yourself and always be willing to learn.

How do you think the sector can attract more female candidates?

Personally, I think by having more women in the industry they will feel more represented and more likely to join the industry if they see that other women are doing it. I also think that not a lot of women, like myself, are aware of the different roles construction has to offer, therefore going into schools and colleges and talking about the industry will attract more females.