Nansledan carpenter Ellie Greenwood has proved she’s a cut above the rest by passing her training with distinction.
Ellie, 24, is employed by CG Fry and Son, one of the building companies working in partnership with the Duchy of Cornwall to create Nansledan.
Since she arrived on site nearly two years ago, Ellie has worked hard with the project’s subcontracted carpentry teams to learn the skills of the trade and boost her qualifications.
Last month, she was awarded her Level 2 Apprenticeship in Site Carpentry, which she passed with distinction.
“I’m so pleased,” said Ellie, who is completing her training with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. “I love the skill of the job,” she added. “I love the fact you go into a house on site and it’s a complete blank canvas and then you leave, knowing that everything you’ve done in there is going to become part of someone’s home. That’s a really nice feeling.”
During her training, Ellie has been encouraged to take on a range of often complex carpentry jobs, including fitting a staircase in one of Nansledan’s new homes.
“The boys had talked me through it so many times but in the end, they said the only way you’re going to learn is by trying it,” said Ellie. “So, I did. I felt like the bee’s knees afterwards.”
Ellie is proud of her achievements so far – and to be doing her bit to encourage other women and girls to start a career in the construction industry.
She says there are still a few surprised reactions from people who don’t expect to see a female carpenter.
“I get it all the time,” she says. “People open the door and say, ‘oh…hello. What do you do?’
“I enjoy the fact that I’m not your typical carpenter and I would say to anyone thinking about getting into the trade to just go for it. I’d love to run a business of my own one day and I’d take on a female apprentice – world domination and all that!”
In the meantime, Ellie is concentrating on working towards the next level of her training in September, building her skills on a very unique project.
“It’s great working at Nansledan,” said Ellie, who lives in Newquay. “It’s a really cool development and I like the fact that it’s providing so many homes for the people that live down here.”
CG Fry’s Project Manager Brendan Leech (pictured with Ellie) said Ellie has quickly become a valued member of the team.
“We employ Ellie and then place her with our subcontracted carpenters who assist in her training and work experience,” he said. “She’s already learnt so much and to pass her Level 2 Apprenticeship with a distinction is a great achievement.
“We aim for consistently high standards from all trades on site, demonstrating attention to detail in all aspects of our work. Ellie has shown she can meet these expectations and we look forward to helping her through the next stage of her training.”
