Teen encourages girls to join construction industry

Leeanna, 17, works as an apprentice bricklayer in Kent

A teenager is encouraging other girls to joining the construction industry, telling them to "go for it".

Leeanna, 17, works as an apprentice bricklayer in Kent and joined the industry when she finished her GCSEs.

She said: "I applied to my apprenticeship at 15, while studying for my GCSEs. Just a couple of months after finishing, I started my apprenticeship and loved it instantly."

Leeanna was inspired by her brother who studied bricklaying and dreams of building her own house.

She said she wanted to see other young women and girls join her in the industry, admitting she was nervous when she first joined but has really enjoyed her time on the site.

She said: "If you're passionate about it, don't let anything hold you back.

"There are so many opportunities, and plenty of people, both male and female, who will support you along the way."

She added that one of her favourite parts of the apprenticeship was being able to learn and earn simultaneously, saying: "That's what I wanted to do."

As of 2024, the Office for National Statistics estimated that just 15% of the UK construction workforce is made up of women.