A YOUNG woman is bucking the trend by joining teenage boys in the classroom to train how to become a painter and decorator.
Kate Roberts, 29, who lives in Littleborough in Rochdale, is currently studying at Oldham College and is being fast-tracked through the course with the encouragement of J21.
As part of her training, Kate has secured employment with First Choice Homes in Oldham and first became interested in becoming a painter and decorator after working in various temping jobs for six months.
She initially worked self-employed as a painter and decorator before her local job centre introduced her to the J21 initiative, funded by Oldham and Rochdale’s HMR pathfinder scheme.
Kate hopes to qualify with an NVQ Level 2 in painting and decorating as well as an Intermediate Construction Award during her time at Oldham College.
She has already acquired her CSCS qualification in Health and Safety and may decide to progress onto NVQ Level 3.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for funding provided by HMR and all the help I’ve received through J21. And I certainly wouldn’t have got this job if J21 hadn’t vouched for me. They really have supported me 100%.I definitely support the idea of creating jobs for local people as there are a lot of people out there who are desperate to find work.
“It’s wonderful that HMR are building so many new houses and creating so many job opportunities for local people. I’d probably be struggling and self-employed if it wasn’t for HMR!”
Kate has also been approached to act as an ambassador to schools by CITB Construction Skills. She said: “I would definitely encourage more women and girls to train as painters and decorators. It’s really enjoyable and just takes a bit of perseverance that’s all.”