Well-travelled Jilly finds firm foundations in construction
A YOUNG woman who attended eight primary schools as a child has found firm foundations in the construction world.
Jilly Rapley may only be 21, but she is relishing her role as technical co-ordinator Derby-based Hodgkinson builders.
Jilly was born in Vietnam to a Vietnamese mum and an English father, and the family moved around a lot, relocating back and forth between Qatar, Oman and England for her dad’s job.
She attended eight primary schools, which Jilly says was hard.
“People say ‘you are lucky to have travelled’, but it’s also very difficult when you are young and want to stick to one place and not leave friends you’ve just made", said Jilly.
But she added: “It’s made me well-rounded - I think it has made me more respectful toward other people and other cultures and how they live.”
The family settled in Derby and now Jilly, of Chellaston, is carving out a career in construction.
She took the plunge into the sector after trying out apprenticeships in mortgage brokering administration and sales administration.
Speaking ahead of Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day, she said: “What I love about my job is the people I work with, and the feeling of getting something accomplished.
“There’s always something new to learn every day in house-building and commercial-building.”
According to the GMB union, women account for just 12.5 per cent of the workforce in the construction sector.
In her role, Jilly deals with everything from hiring on-site equipment and materials to covering for buyer Martha Birkett when she is away.
She also works with Hodgkinson’s business development manager, Matthew Finnie, in dealing with land and talking to clients.
Jilly started with the firm in September 2019 and has recently been enrolled by Hodgkinson in a BA Hons construction management degree, attending the University of Derby a day-and-a-half each week alongside her paid work.
She said: “When I first applied for the job, I didn’t know anything about construction.
“In school you only heard of bricklayers and that was it.
“I did just think it would all be men, but after starting with Hodgkinsons I found there are women who do work in the construction industry which was great to see.
“There are so many different roles in construction that are available to everyone, regardless of your gender.”
Jilly offered wise words to any females considering a role in construction: “I would encourage women to be in construction.
“I think it’s a really good industry to be in."
Ian Hodgkinson, managing director of Hodgkinson Builders, said: “The construction industry is a great place to be, and there are countless opportunities to carve a prosperous career.
“Whether those careers are for males or females is irrelevant, as long as they have the right skills.
“Jilly is growing from strength to strength in her role and we look forward to her skills developing further.”
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Dart Amateur From Belper Steps Up To The Oche With Cool Hand Luke Following a nationwide tournament in which amateur darts players from across the nation attempted to complete a tim read more | |
| Crich Tramway Village - London County Council No 1 As a living heritage attraction, The National Tramway Museum always prioritises the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers who w read more | |
| Luke Evans Bakery Employee Retires After 50 Years At The Derbyshire company Dispatch manager Alan Smedley has retired after an impressive 50 years of working at Luke Evans Bakery in read more | |
| Derbyshire Housebuilder Reveals Unique Conversions Steeped In History Following an intense programme of specialist renovation work, East Midlands house builder Peter James Homes is read more | |
| Battle Dragons And Train As A Knight This St George's Day Enjoy a feast of free-family friendly fun as dragons, knights and medieval games return to Derby city centre to celebrate S read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
| The opening night of the Lights of Abraham Winter Lights Trail The brand new winter lights trail, the 'Lights of Abraham' opened on Friday 22nd November at the Heights of Abraham in read more | |
| Can You Help DREAM Paranormal With Their Research My name is Simon Dean, Lead Investigator of DREAM paranormal and I am looking for your help. read more | |
| Cold Callers claiming to be working on behalf of Derbyshire County Council Policehave seen and increase in reports of 'cold callers' where people are claiming to be working on behal read more | |
| Subscriptions For Amber Valley Borough Councils 2024 Garden Waste Service Are Now Open The garden waste collection service is available to all residents in Amber Valley except for r read more | |
