Emily Burridge, Technical Production Manager, Hanson

I joined Hanson UK in September 2015 and was the first female apprentice to complete the Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) programme placing me in an ideal position to reach out to young people and women who may never have thought about a career in the construction industry.

I have gained a vast amount of knowledge from colleagues within the industry and from a Foundation degree in mineral extractives technology at the University of Derby, both of which have enabled me to progress into my current role of technical production manager of 24 concrete plants in the West Midlands.

Due to my experiences, I also act as a mentor for other women in my department and always make myself available to help with their academic studies or work queries.

During my time as a member of the technical department at Hanson, I have featured in many articles to promote my story and the opportunities that the industry offers to women; the most influential of which was for the BBC website which I saw shared on social media and prompted many responses from other women either in the industry or looking to be part of it, as well as invitations for interviews on other platforms. In addition to my role as a technical production manager I am also a STEM ambassador, as a representative of STEM I have visited many schools to give career advice, support to events run by the engineering development trust, and have helped to raise awareness of engineering and apprenticeship opportunities for women at career fairs.