Daisy Lucus is a Business Administrator Apprentice at SIG plc. She has been an apprentice for 7 months.
Reflecting on her role, Daisy says: “I am lucky enough to get an opportunity to do a bit of everything in my role. Currently focussed on sales, I am serving customers, dealing with enquiries, and learning how to identify roof profiles amongst other things. Every day is different.”
Daisy was apprehensive about joining the industry due to it historically being male-dominated, but since joining her viewpoints have changed massively: “Prior to joining the construction and building materials industry, I didn’t know much about the roofing world other than having male friends who are roofers. I was nervous knowing it has historically been a male-dominated industry. Also being quite young, I was concerned how the team would accept me. I feel totally different now though. There has never been any doubt from my team that I would learn. My colleagues have been committed to helping me be the best I can be.”
Her gender hasn’t stopped her from succeeding in her role. Daisy says: “Even though this is perceived as a male-dominated industry, I felt accepted from day one. There is a fair mix of women and men in my branch, and ultimately everyone is kind and helpful which is what really matters.”
“I think in the beginning I lacked confidence, and would sometimes assume that a man must have more knowledge of the industry purely because they are a man. However, I know now it’s less about gender and more about ability and building trust.”
Daisy’s advice for other women wanting to join the industry as an apprentice would be: “I am always keen to speak up for women in our industry. To other females thinking about applying for an apprenticeship in this industry, I would say go for it. Being a female in this industry is great. There is always someone to reach out to for help or support.”
