After Amber left school, she was uncertain on what she wanted to do next. She knew that university wasn’t for her and was unsure about a future career path. An Apprentice vacancy came up at Huws Gray and after some careful consideration Amber decided it would be great to develop a career within merchanting.
After being in post for a year, Amber says with confidence that there have been no regrets: “I am glad I took the opportunity as my role has allowed me to grow as a person and become more confident. I believe that my journey is only just starting, and I am excited to see what the future may hold. I’m looking forward to broadening my product knowledge, doing further training and hopefully getting promoted.”
Amber’s experience as an apprentice in the Construction and Building Materials industry has left her feeling empowered: “The industry is unique and can be seen as quite daunting to some women as it is typically male-dominated. However, it shouldn’t be seen that way. I have never had any issues with this and everyone in my branch has done nothing but support me and make me feel welcome in my first year and positive colleague relationships have been formed. In a way it makes me feel more empowered that I can fit into this industry and show people that I can stand up for myself.”
While Amber might have been nervous to start with, she was determined to not let anyone treat her differently because she was a woman: “I fit right in and do not feel like I’m treated differently to anyone else. Everyone is always willing to help me and support me in my role as an Apprentice” she says.
Amber enjoys her role as she says every day is different and she never knows what tomorrow will bring. She enjoys the positive customer relationships she develops.
Amber would recommend a career in the merchanting industry to any woman looking for a varied and interesting role, even if it’s outside their comfort zone: “It helps you grow more confident and grow as a person and there are always endless opportunities and training available to you, which can help you on the road to developing your career.”
