Casey’s building a great future in construction
When Casey Bougourd started studying childcare at her local academy, she quickly realised it wasn’t for her — and swapped to a construction course instead after attending a college open day with a friend.
The 19-year-old enrolled on a Level 2 General Construction Operations course at Derwentside College in Consett, County Durham, in november 2016. She was the only female student.
Casey’s discipline and motivation impressed everyone and in February the following year she landed a work placement with Absolute Civil engineering, based in County Durham.
And two months on from that she became the first full- time learner of the year to be offered an apprenticeship.
Casey, from newcastle upon Tyne, is now building sewers and drainage systems around the northeast and aims to progress to an advanced- level apprenticeship.
She is also a course ambassador, promoting women in construction at various events. She recently became a Festival of Learning Young Adult Learner award winner. Casey says: ‘Apprenticeships help you to learn new things every day and pick up different construction skills. This way of learning helps you to select the parts of the job that suit you best.
‘What I enjoy about my job is being able to meet new people and learn how different things are done.’
Casey’s ambitions for the future include either running her own business or becoming a site manager or assistant manager. She wants to encourage other women to join the industry.
‘My advice would be — just go for it,’ she says: ‘Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not capable.
‘More and more women are joining because it’s not just a male industry — we are as fit and are as able to carry bricks and blocks or pour concrete as men.’
her tutor, Ken Johnson, says: ‘Casey stands out as an exceptional young woman, who has laid the foundations for a superstar career.’