Dannii is a Showroom Apprentice at Huws Gray, Penrith.
When Dannii first applied to join Huws Gray as an Apprentice, she was apprehensive as she was significantly younger than most of the people who work in her branch and the industry. She explains: “I did know a handful of people who worked here and that did settle my worry a little bit as I knew who to go to if I had a problem. I knew that the builders merchant industry is mainly a male-dominated world, but I didn’t want to let this hinder me in applying for the role, so I went for it!”
Dannii works in the Showroom department with an all-female team which she said is: “empowering in a predominantly male work environment.”
After 6 months into her apprenticeship, Dannii says: “I am a lot more confident than I was before as I have the support of my two colleagues who I work with on a day-to-day basis and my Branch Manager.”
The branch team at Penrith have helped Dannii learn about the job and the business as a whole. She has developed her kitchen and bathroom knowledge and is enjoying helping customers to bring their kitchen or bathroom visions to life and says: “I can see my career flourishing in the future, and I am excited to see where it goes!”
For any women thinking about a role in merchanting, Dannii’s advice would be: “I would encourage more females to join construction as it’s an interesting job and there is a lot to learn and do.”
